Detroit bread-heads rejoice: Avalon International Breads will relocate to
55 W. Canfield,
a move that will triple the bakery's size. Although the move is
contingent on loan approval, the new location should open its doors in
summer of 2008.
The move was necessitated by Avalon's continued growth. "We had outgrown our space
at least five years ago," says co-owner Jackie Victor. "It got to the
point where, even though our space is cozy and we love it, we needed
something where we could kind of spread out."
Location and logistics pointed to 55 W. Canfield. "We
definitely wanted to stay in the neighborhood, as close as possible to
our original location," says Victor. "We needed space with retail
access, on-street parking, our own bake room, a loading dock and more
electrical capacity for better machinery."
Colin Hubbell, 55 W. Canfield's developer, sees the move as a win for
the building's residents. "From a lifestyle standpoint, having the
bakery on the ground floor enhances their quality of life," he says.
"Also, the bakery is almost a 24-7 operation. That amount of activity
around the clock lends a dimension of safety."
Parking will be plentiful. The first dozen spots in the adjacent lot will be reserved for Avalon patrons, and the City of
Detroit recently installed 40 parking meters on the street.
Sources: Colin Hubbell, Hubbell Group and Jackie Victor, Avalon International Breads
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh