TUCSON, Ariz. — On the morning before Thanksgiving, the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air in Tucson’s Broadmoor-Broadway neighborhood.
At Barrio Bread, a long line of locals and tourists formed outside as they waited to purchase bread from the popular bakery for their holiday meals.
Owner Don Guerra viewed the crowd as a sign of his bakery’s success. “Everyone’s trying to get their loaves of bread to put on their tables,” Guerra said. “It’s a proud moment for Barrio Bread, a community-supported bakery focused on local grains, agriculture, and gastronomy.”
Guerra’s commitment to the community is evident. He founded Barrio Bread in his garage in 2011 and created the term “Community Supported Baker” (CSB) to describe his mission. “This is about a community investment project,” he explained. “It’s a circular economy model where everyone participates to keep the bakery running and flourishing.”
For regular customer Joy Vargo, Barrio Bread is essential for Thanksgiving. “I’ve been coming here since Don was baking out of his garage,” she said. Vargo plans to bring one of Guerra’s signature loaves to a Friendsgiving gathering she is hosting for 15 people. “It’s a wonderful way to share bread with everybody,” she added.
Another customer, Robert Knodle, praised the bakery’s friendly atmosphere. “Maybe the nicest owner I’ve ever met and the best bread I’ve ever eaten,” he said, noting that he always buys the apricot bread for Thanksgiving.
Barrio Bread’s popularity comes from its quality and Guerra’s commitment to local ingredients. “I contract directly with farmers,” Guerra stated. “We use local grains, heritage varieties, and long fermentation to create low-glycemic, low-gluten bread.” His signature Heritage loaf features a saguaro cactus design that represents Tucson’s culture. “I wanted the bread to speak for itself,” Guerra explained.
The bakery also supports the community by partnering with local organizations like the University of Arizona’s Garden Kitchen to provide bread through SNAP benefits. “Giving back is foundational,” Guerra said. “You have to give with open hands because if you don’t, you can’t receive.”
Despite the long lines during the holiday season, Guerra’s bread is available year-round at various locations, including the Food Conspiracy Co-op. Vargo reassured potential customers that if the line seems too long, they can always return another day, stating, “It’s worth it.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, Guerra feels grateful for the support from his community. “Seeing those smiling faces and knowing they’ll share this bread with their families reminds me of what Thanksgiving is really about.”
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