Bread & Friends started in 2021 as a farmer's market bakery specializing in naturally-leavened bread, laminated pastry, and jams, pickles, spreads, and butters meant to pair with bread. In April 2023 it opened a brick-and-mortar location on Fore Street in the Old Port, expanding into a full bakery and restaurant offering brunch and dinner alongside its original pastries, bread, coffee, and beer and wine program. It's owned and operated by two couples: Jess Rattey and Jeremy Broucek, and Maggie and Tanner Rubin.
The bakery case remains the anchor, built on sourdough made with house-milled flour and pastries that riff on nostalgic flavors and seasonal ingredients — the kouign-amann in particular has developed a following among regulars who return for it specifically. The beverage program is house-made where possible, with coffee and tea sourced through partnerships with Enjoy Coffee Roasters and Rare Tea Company. Service has become part of the draw as much as the food itself.
Portland Press Herald named Bread & Friends to its Best of 2025 list.
The bakery case remains the anchor, built on sourdough made with house-milled flour and pastries that riff on nostalgic flavors and seasonal ingredients — the kouign-amann in particular has developed a following among regulars who return for it specifically. The beverage program is house-made where possible, with coffee and tea sourced through partnerships with Enjoy Coffee Roasters and Rare Tea Company. Service has become part of the draw as much as the food itself.
Portland Press Herald named Bread & Friends to its Best of 2025 list.