In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Carleton, one of the visionary bakers behind Blue Spruce Bakery General Store, the only sourdough bakery in the Quad Cities area. Join us as we unravel Brandon's fascinating journey into the world of baking, a path that began just before the pandemic when a friend's neighbor sparked his interest with a dedicated sourdough kitchen. What started as a hobby of baking a couple of loaves for friends quickly blossomed into a business, where Brandon now produces an impressive 30-40 loaves weekly, alongside an array of delicious pastries and lunch offerings.
Brandon shares candid insights into the early days of Blue Spruce Bakery, discussing the challenges and triumphs of launching a bakery from his home. With little startup capital, he skillfully navigated the complexities of building his business until a golden opportunity arose. Although initially approached to open a location in Rock Island, pandemic-related delays led to the realization of their current spot in downtown Davenport. There, Brandon has faced the ups and downs of relying on foot traffic, prompting creative pivots like delivery services and hands-on baking classes designed to engage the community and boost revenue.
One of the highlights of our conversation centers around the bread baking classes that Brandon leads. Not only do they serve as a platform for imparting knowledge and fostering a love for baking, but they also allow Brandon to learn from attendees of varying ages and skill levels. The ritual of sharing tea before each class sets a welcoming tone, and the connection formed during these sessions is palpable. We delve into the science behind sourdough—a living culture that flourishes and evolves uniquely with each baker—unpacking how your starter can embody your own environment and personality.
Tune in to hear how Brandon and his talented team are creatively adapting Blue Spruce Bakery to thrive in an ever-changing landscape, fostering community through their classes and a shared love for quality bread. This episode is not just about baking; it’s about passion, resilience, and building a community around the simple joy of good food. Don’t miss this enriching discussion that might just inspire you to embark on your own baking journey!
Learn more about Blue Spruce General Store at https://www.bluesprucegeneralstore.com/
