Copper State Bread

Copper State Bread stands as a proud emblem of artisan baking in Arizona, offering a comprehensive bakery and café experience right in the heart of Tempe. This local, family-owned, and operated small business has built its reputation on a single, unwavering principle: the universal use of high-quality sourdough starter in virtually all its offerings. From the core loaves to pastries, sandwiches, and even pizza, everything is crafted with the rich flavor, superior texture, and natural fermentation benefits that only true sourdough can provide.

Founded by master baker Bryan O'Connor, whose journey in the food industry spans over 20 years, Copper State Bread transitioned from humble beginnings—selling baked goods via Facebook and at various local farmers' markets—to establishing its first dedicated brick-and-mortar location in Tempe in 2025. This evolution is a testament to the community's demand for high-caliber, scratch-made goods. Arizona residents consistently praise the products, with one customer stating they are "some of the best baked goods I have EVER had in my LIFEEEEE," further validating the business's dedication to quality.

The name "Copper State Bread" proudly anchors the bakery in Arizona’s heritage, reflecting a commitment to local flavor and community focus. It operates not only as a destination for a quick visit or a leisurely dine-in experience but also as a versatile breakfast and lunch restaurant, providing the Tempe and East Valley communities with a unique, satisfying, and health-conscious alternative to mass-produced baked goods. It is truly a local gem dedicated to the age-old art of bread making.

Copper State Bread is conveniently situated in the Southeast Valley, making it a central point for residents of Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa. The physical address is: 975 E Elliot Rd #103, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA. This location places the bakery in a well-known commercial plaza, making it easy to find and integrate into daily routines.

Accessibility and convenience are prioritized for the local clientele. The establishment features a free parking lot, which is a major benefit in a high-traffic area like Tempe. The convenience of a dedicated, free parking area ensures that customers can quickly stop in for takeout or enjoy their dine-in experience without parking stress. Furthermore, the premises are equipped with a wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a fundamental commitment to serving all members of the Arizona community.

For the comfort and amenity of all patrons, Copper State Bread provides clean restroom facilities, including a gender-neutral restroom, reflecting a modern and inclusive approach to customer service. The overall location, easily accessible and situated near major area intersections, positions the bakery perfectly as a reliable, go-to spot for quality meals and bread.

Copper State Bread operates with flexible service options, ensuring their sourdough products are available to the broadest possible range of Arizona customers, whether they are dining in or shopping from home.

• Dine-in Service: Customers are welcome to sit down and enjoy a relaxed breakfast or lunch experience, indulging in sandwiches, pizza, or coffee paired with fresh pastries.
• Takeout & In-Store Pickup: All menu items, from handmade sourdough loaves to coffee and sandwiches, are available for quick pickup for those on the go.
• Local Delivery: For maximum convenience, the bakery offers delivery services, bringing their artisan breads and full café menu directly to homes and businesses in the Tempe area.
• Onsite Services: The bakery offers services directly from its brick-and-mortar location, operating as a full-service café and restaurant in addition to a retail bread shop.
• Farmers Market Sales: Copper State Bread maintains a strong community presence by selling its products at various local farmers' markets, including those in Roadrunner Park, North Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee (hours and locations vary seasonally).
• Full Beverage Menu: A selection of coffee drinks (Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, Cappuccino), along with unique offerings like Jarritos Soda and Japanese teas (Shirakiku Ramune, Suntory Oolong Tea), are available.
• Dining Variety: The establishment functions as a dedicated spot for both breakfast and lunch, with distinct, robust menus for each mealtime.

The menu at Copper State Bread is a testament to the versatility and depth of flavor achievable through the sourdough process, offering several signature highlights that attract customers across the Valley.

• Universal Sourdough Principle: The defining feature is the use of a sourdough starter in *all* baked goods, ensuring a distinct, rich flavor and a unique texture prized by those sensitive to standard commercial yeast breads.
• Signature Artisan Loaves: The handmade sourdough loaf selection includes the staple Sourdough Loaf, the highly popular and regionally relevant Green Chili And Cheddar Loaf, the flavorful Olive Loaf, and specialty loaves like the "ADHD" loaf.
• Gourmet Sourdough Sandwiches: Lunch is anchored by exceptional options like the Porchetta Sandwich and "The Frank," a premium offering demonstrating creative use of their artisan bread base.
• Unique Sourdough Pizza: The menu features 14-inch Sourdough Pizza options (Cheese, Margherita, Pepperoni, and Meat Lovers), showcasing a superior crust texture and flavor that is hard to find locally.
• Premium Croissants: Sourdough Croissants are available in classic Butter, Chocolate, Cinnamon, and the savory Ham And Cheese Croissant, all noted for their desirable flakiness and rich flavor.
• Specialty Breakfast Items: The menu offers premium breakfast options like "The Sycamore" and "The Peak," alongside a classic Bagel With Shmear and highly praised Buttermilk Biscuits.

Arizona locals wishing to inquire about custom orders, check the daily bread selection, or verify market locations can use the following information for Copper State Bread in Tempe.

Address: 975 E Elliot Rd #103, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA

Phone: (480) 701-6577

The dedicated phone line ensures a direct connection with the local, family-run team to handle all customer questions regarding the Tempe storefront and its various offerings.

Copper State Bread is an essential choice for Arizona residents seeking authentic, high-quality, and versatile baked goods. What truly makes this establishment worth choosing is its unwavering dedication to the sourdough tradition, which permeates the entire menu—a feature praised by customers who often cannot tolerate regular bread. This commitment results in a superior, easily digestible, and flavorful product.

Choosing this bakery means supporting a genuine small, family-owned Tempe business founded on two decades of baking passion. The story of Bryan O'Connor's journey from selling at local farmers' markets to opening a brick-and-mortar store resonates deeply with the spirit of local enterprise in Arizona. The bakery’s versatility—operating as a full café with breakfast, lunch, and coffee, in addition to selling artisan loaves—eliminates the need to visit multiple venues. Whether you are craving a gourmet Porchetta sandwich, a unique sourdough pizza, a Green Chili and Cheddar loaf for a gathering, or simply a perfectly balanced latte, Copper State Bread provides a comprehensive, convenient, and consistently high-quality experience in the East Valley. The convenience of dine-in, takeout, delivery, and a free parking lot further solidifies its position as a top-tier local bakery.