The Story
About Ann Arbor Baking Company
There are bakeries, and then there’s the Ann Arbor Baking Company. Sarah and Tom Kowalski opened their doors near Kerrytown in 2019 after years of weekend farmers market appearances that had earned them a devoted following throughout Ann Arbor. The full bakery was the natural next step — and it has not disappointed.
Everything at Ann Arbor Baking Company is made from scratch, from the sourdough loaves that come out of the oven at 6am to the flaky, laminated croissants that routinely sell out by 9. The Kowalskis source locally wherever possible, with eggs from a nearby Washtenaw County farm and seasonal fruit from growers around the region.
What Makes Ann Arbor Baking Company Special
What separates this bakery from the pack is an uncompromising commitment to craft. Tom handles the bread — he spent three years learning under a professional baker before setting out on his own — while Sarah runs the pastry and coffee programs with equal precision.
“We could make things faster and cheaper,” Sarah says, with a shrug. “But then it wouldn’t be what people come here for. The point is doing it the right way, even when that means smaller batches and earlier mornings.”
The coffee program deserves its own mention. The beans are sourced from a specialty roaster in Detroit and the espresso bar is taken as seriously as the baked goods. This is not a place where the coffee is an afterthought.
What Customers Say About Ann Arbor Baking Company
In a short time, Ann Arbor Baking Company has become the kind of weekly ritual that people plan their Saturdays around:
“We drive across town every Saturday morning. The almond croissants and a cortado — that’s the whole reason I wake up early on weekends.”
“The sourdough changed my life. I’m serious. The crust, the crumb, the flavor. I’ve tried to replicate it at home and I can’t.”
“Sarah and Tom remember your name by your third visit. That kind of warmth is rare.”
Visit Ann Arbor Baking Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor Baking Company is open Wednesday through Sunday, 7am to 2pm, near Kerrytown in Ann Arbor. Arrive early — the best items are gone by mid-morning and they don’t restock. Follow them on Instagram for fresh-out-of-the-oven updates and the weekly special lineup.
