The popular Black Bear Bread Co. is now open in Seaside on Scenic Highway 30A! Now with three convenient locations, Black Bear is the best way to say “good morning” when you visit this slice of paradise.
Black Bear Bread Co. was founded in 2017 by Phil McDonald and Dave Rauschkolb—yes, you might know them as the founder and owner of the famous and much-loved Bud & Alley’s in Seaside. So, it’s no surprise their idea for a casual neighborhood bakery on the coast took off!
The pair opened the original cafe in Grayton Beach, tucked on Logan Lane in the Shops of Grayton. And it is here that it got its name! After witnessing a few local bears enjoying some test bread at the dumpster near the construction site, the name was a no-brainer. The cafe was dubbed Black Bear Bread Co., and it was the perfect nod to the area’s local wildlife and the focus of the new establishment—good bread!
While discussing the lack of good bread in the area, the idea of opening a neighborhood bakery first came to McDonald and Rauschkolb. Before building their idea into a full-fledged bakery, the two friends sold test bread at the Seaside Farmer’s Market. Now, good bread has become the foundation of something new and oh-so-tempting in this coastal oasis.
From bread, the menu expanded to feature a variety of breakfast and lunch items, as well as pastries, coffee, and other beverages. A range of breakfast sandwiches can be served on your choice of biscuit, bagel, croissant, or brioche bun. The Sourdough Toast with sea salt butter and house-made jam is a favorite, of course! Another popular breakfast item is the croissant-based French toast with ricotta, seasonal fruit, maple syrup, and pecans. If you need a morning drink, there is a variety of Stumpton’s highest quality hot and iced drinks, from lattes, traditional cappuccinos, chai lattes and more. A few other lunch items you’ll find on the menu include a Kale Caesar Salad, Bahn Mi sandwich made with braised pork shoulder, Grass-Fed Roast Beef, and more.
Once it opened, the Grayton Beach establishment quickly grew in popularity. A second location at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach soon followed. And finally, in early 2022, the newest location in Seaside opened its doors!
The newest Black Bear Bread Co. is located east of the grassy amphitheater in Seaside. The chic white building blends perfectly with its coastal surroundings. A lovely courtyard adorned with tropical plants and café seating makes it easy to enjoy delicious cuisine in the beautiful beach weather. Inside, sunny windows, white shiplap walls, and sandy-toned floors create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere—perfect for beach dining and hanging out with your fellow vacationers. Though the doors have only recently opened, it has already become the go-to spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and tasty pastries!
Black Bear Bread Co. in Seaside is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. Whether you’re a local or in town for 30A vacation, you should check out this picture-perfect and oh-so-delicious all-day bakery! If you’ve booked a stay near Seaside, this location is only a short walk or bike ride away. Nothing better than waking up to the salty smell of the beach, grabbing a drink and filling breakfast at Black Bear Bread Co, and following it up with a walk on the crystalline white sand beaches of South Walton!
