ABC Recipient Bakers Bench Celebrates Grand Opening of First Brick-and-Mortar

On June 7, 2024, vegan bakery, Bakers Bench, officially opened its first brick-and-mortar location in the historic Victor Heights neighborhood, adjacent to Downtown LA. This milestone was made possible with the support of LISC LA’s Asset Building for Communities of Color (ABC) Program, supported by Wells Fargo.

Jennifer Yee initially captivated Los Angeles food enthusiasts with her vegan and artisan pastries at her kiosk in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza location. The expansion into Alpine Courtyard represents a pivotal moment in her career. 

“My vision for Bakers Bench has always been about more than just great baked goods. It’s about sustainability, community, and innovation,” said Jennifer in an Instagram post, “The support from the ABC program has empowered me to realize this vision and serve our community better.”

Some of Jennifer’s sustainable baking practices include the use of fresh, American made vegan butter, aiming to eliminate as much single use plastic as possible, buying local produce and partnering with companies that share the same sustainable practices, like Minor Figures Oat Milk (carbon neutral), King Arthur Flour (100% of flour milled from regeneratively grown wheat by 2030), and Nuvo Olive Oil (has a reusable olive oil container program at Santa Monica Farmers Market). She also plans to hire people from the Victor Heights neighborhood, start a summer reading program, and cultivate a community garden, making sure she gives back to the community.

LISC LA's ABC program provided Jennifer with 0% interest financing to upgrade and purchase baking equipment and make leasehold improvements, which were instrumental in the establishment of the brick-and-mortar. "Through the ABC program, we aim to support the economic resilience of small business owners and avoid the displacement of diverse businesses and residents," remarked Nicole Williams, Executive Director of LISC LA, “Small businesses like Bakers Bench stimulate our communities’ prosperity and we are so pleased to have helped Jennifer realize this dream.”

Alpine Courtyard, as covered by the LA Times, is a development converting historic residences into a vibrant culinary hub, merging heritage with progress. This project is a great example of community revitalization and architectural preservation, providing a dynamic space for residents and visitors alike to gather and dine. Bakers Bench shares the space with Cassell’s Hamburgers, which will open late June. Other businesses in the courtyard include Heavy Water Coffee, Perilla, and Baby Bistro (opening within the next year).

Bakers Bench hours are Thursday - Monday, 8am - 3pm. The menu at the Alpine Courtyard location will mirror the menu from the original Chinatown kiosk, with the addition of items like sandwiches and focaccia slices.

To learn more about the ABC Program, please visit: www.lisc.org/los-angeles/abc-fund/