ABC Program Recipient Spotlight: Bakers Bench
5.04.2023
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LISC StoriesEconomic Development
Bakers Bench opened in May 2021 and is owned and operated by Jennifer Yee. They offer a wide variety of baked goods and pastries, most of which are vegan. On any given week they have 13-16 different items and specialize in breakfast pastries, such as croissants, oatmeal cookies, and strawberry almond danishes. Everything is seasonal and made in-house.
Bakers Bench is located in Far East Plaza in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Far East Plaza holds cultural and historical significance as it is one of the most notable food centers in Los Angeles. According to Tejal Rao, a NY Times food columnist, Chinatown, and specifically Far East Plaza, is one of the most exciting places to eat. Far East Plaza houses a mix of AAPI businesses, from businesses that opened in the 90s to newer restaurants and businesses ushering a new generation of Asian cuisine. Bakers Bench is proud to be in Far East Plaza and hopes their business grows with the community there for years to come.
LISC LA: Can you tell us why you applied for the ABC program?
Jennifer Yee (JY): Bakers Bench currently operates a micro bakery from a kiosk in Far East Plaza in Chinatown and is building a brick and mortar in the Angelino Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. We needed capital to upgrade and purchase equipment and for leasehold improvements of the brick and mortar. Primarily, we needed a new all electric oven to give us more efficient and consistent bakes, which generates a higher bottom line. The solar panels work in tandem with our oven to be more carbon neutral, eliminates our gas bill and cuts our electricity bill down by at least 80%, if not a full 100%.
LISC LA: How is the Growth Capital investment helping you achieve your goals?
JY: With the Growth Capital financing, I purchased the oven and most of the refrigeration. Instead of purchasing new equipment like I originally planned, I bought all the equipment from Konbi as they were closing their restaurant. It cost $2,000 to hire a moving company, but I saved over $13,000! Although I would normally buy the equipment closer to the opening day, this was a smart financial opportunity to take advantage of.
We are still in the construction phase of the brick-and-mortar with a projected opening of 2024. All the plans and subcontractor bids are done so we are waiting for approval from the city before we start construction. Our general contractor is finishing our neighbor’s coffee shop and then will begin construction on ours.
LISC LA: What is your connection to the community?
KL: Bakers Bench consistently collaborates with other businesses in Chinatown because its significance and preservation is incredibly important to us. It is our neighborhood, it is our culture, and it is our responsibility to see it grow and thrive. In partnership with East West Shop and Fulcrum Press (all in Far East Plaza), Bakers Bench hosts a quarterly Trading Post that brings in 20-30 vendors and draws about 200-300 people from all over Los Angeles. It is a time for other small businesses to share and sell their goods and products, get exposure, for them to network and to promote the creative spaces in Los Angeles, particularly among minorities. When we do events that bring more people to Chinatown, we make it a successful center of commerce by drawing people to Chinatown that normally wouldn't come. After a little discovery and guidance, we bridge cultural gaps, and are happy to say that people come back time and time again.
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