NEW ORLEANS – This year, Laurel Street Bakery marks its 20th anniversary.
Founded in 2005 by Hillary Guttman and her mother, the bakery opened just weeks before Hurricane Katrina. Despite the city’s devastation, she returned quickly, reopening Laurel Street Bakery as soon as possible and re-committing to her Uptown neighborhood. Two decades later, the bakery is now located in a larger space in the Broadmoor neighborhood and continues to thrive – serving handmade bagels, pastries, breakfasts, lunch, catering and custom cakes while remaining a welcoming hub for families, students and professionals alike.
“Reaching 20 years is a huge milestone for any restaurant, but especially for a small, independent bakery like ours,” said Guttman. “We’ve weathered Katrina, economic shifts, seasonal slowdowns and rising costs, but through it all, our community kept us going.To still be here two decades later, serving neighbors and watching families grow up in our bakery, means everything.”
Anniversary Celebration
To honor its 20th anniversary, Laurel Street Bakery will host a community celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Broad Street location. Guests are invited to enjoy birthday cake and take part in a cupcake decorating contest. The winner will receive a dozen custom-made cupcakes and the chance to collaborate with Guttman to design their own cupcake, which will be featured at the bakery for a month and named in their honor.
The date of the celebration holds added significance said the Laurel Street Bakery team – Oct. 4 also marks the 20th anniversary of the bakery’s reopening after Hurricane Katrina.
“This time in our bakery’s history is special to me, as we were one of the only places open at the time, and it was an honor to be able to be the source of normalcy amongst all of the chaos,” said Guttman.
The anniversary event welcomes longtime supporters, neighbors and new visitors alike to celebrate the bakery’s remarkable journey.
Event Details
What: Laurel Street Bakery 20th Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Laurel Street Bakery, 2701 South Broad St., New Orleans