Local Small Business Finds Way Into Farmers' Markets

For a name that signifies wholeness and integrity, Companion Bakeshop represents and encompasses this theme well. Located at 2341 Mission Street in Santa Cruz, you will experience for yourself why they are renowned for their exceptional menu, service, and quality.

Erin Lampel and Jeremy Lampel, MS, RD, decided to go into business together and share their passion for culinary creations. They vowed to not compromise on nutritional quality as they both believe that the most simple, inspired creations should originate from whole food sources.

Before opening the business, Erin participated in a special farming program at UC Santa Cruz which exposed her to the life of a farmer. She not only was trained to farm sustainably, but lived on a farm for a period of time to become comfortable relying on the land and agriculture for sustenance.

“Erin was in this program and she learned how to make bread from an experienced baker,” said Jeremy Lampel, Erin's husband. “Her chore in this community was baking bread. She also connected with other farms that participated in CSA programs.”

Community sustainable agriculture programs, or CSA, provide boxes of fresh, organic, local grown produce to the community. As Erin honed her baking skills and participated in some farmers' markets, she became a well-known figure and was eventually asked if she would like to start contributing her breads to the boxes. Companion Bakeshop grew from this point.

“Keep in mind that everything was handmade using organic ingredients or anything locally grown chosen in the seasons to address product changes,” Jeremy said.

Companion Bakeshop offers a variety of organic baked goods including simple whole wheat bread, caraway rye bread, rosemary three seed bread, gluten free breads and cereals, pizza doughs, scones, and fresh fruit galettes.

Companion Bakeshop products can now be purchased at the shop itself or local farmers' markets in the Santa Cruz County through CSA boxes.