GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Bakery
Jamieson Leadbetter is a fourth-generation baker from Portland, Maine, where his family has been in the baked goods business since 1931. He had a wholesale business from 2009 to 2015, selling his family-recipe English muffins to Bi-Rite Markets, Rainbow Grocery, and Whole Foods. Now he’s back with, Leadbetter’s Bake Shop, a golden-brown Castro storefront that launched expanded hours this week after previewing in June.
On a recent visit, Leadbetter explained the hallmarks of an English muffin during a wait for breakfast sandwiches. Grocery store types like Thomas’ use a loose dough, resulting in bubbles and crags. Leadbetter prefers a slightly stiffer dough, with a tighter crumb.
That means he’s able to mix different flavors into the muffins, folding in apricot and ginger, herbs, or olives. They also make for sturdy sandwiches that leave your fingers butter-free. A bacon-egg-and-cheese on whole wheat was a delight, and a dozen cinnamon raisin muffins lasted all week. –Becky Duffett
→ Leadbetter’s Bake Shop (Castro) • 554 Castro St • Mon, Thu, Fri 7a–2p, Sat-Sun 9a–3p.