Gracious Bakery has entered a new phase following its acquisition by a new ownership group, aiming to enhance its offerings and expand operations. With over 12 years in business, the bakery, which operates two café locations in New Orleans—one in the Lower Garden District on Saint Charles Avenue and another on Prytania Street—is poised for significant growth. Additionally, Gracious Bakery features a large commercial kitchen on Earhart Boulevard, supplying baked goods to a variety of restaurants and retailers throughout the city.
The new ownership group, led by Justin Callais, is committed to building on the solid foundation laid by former owners Jay and Megan Foreman. Callais expressed his admiration for the brand they developed, stating, “I think Jay and Megan have done a fantastic job of building a really great brand with fantastic products and a loyal customer base.” His group sees the acquisition as an opportunity to usher the bakery into its next chapter, emphasizing the potential for growth and innovation.
Plans for Expansion and Enhanced Offerings
Under the new management, Gracious Bakery is set to introduce a range of improvements. Callais indicated that customers can expect enhanced coffee, tea, and lunch selections at the cafes. Furthermore, the bakery plans to increase production of seasonal baked goods, aligning with various celebrations and events in New Orleans. “The chefs and pastry chefs inside of the commissary kitchen, where we make all of our goods, are top-notch and they have a lot of great ideas,” Callais noted, highlighting the creative talent behind the culinary offerings.
Additionally, Gracious Bakery recently secured certification to produce commercial baked goods for larger venues, including the Caesars Superdome and Tulane University. This development marks a significant milestone in their wholesale operations and opens new avenues for business.
Callais outlined a strategy focused on incremental changes, ensuring that the customer experience remains consistent, especially leading up to the 2024 Jazz Fest. After the festival, the ownership team will evaluate further opportunities for growth and innovation.
As Gracious Bakery transitions under new leadership, it aims to retain the core values established by the Foremans while exploring new horizons that promise to enrich the bakery’s legacy in New Orleans. The community can look forward to an exciting evolution of their cherished local institution.
