Empire Baking Co.

Introduction / Overview

For over three decades, Empire Baking Co. has stood as Dallas’ longest-operating craft bakery, establishing a deep-rooted tradition of artisan excellence right here in Texas. Born from a shared passion for real food and a desire to fill a void in the local market for high-integrity, traditionally made bread, Empire Baking Co. has become an essential stop for DFW residents. This is far more than just a place to buy bread; it is a full-service bakery, cafe, and catering resource, specializing in products made with minimal ingredients—primarily flour, salt, water, and time—and absolutely no preservatives.

Empire Baking Co. takes pride in its commitment to simple, yet rigorous, artisan methods. They utilize seven unique starters to produce a variety of naturally leavened breads, a process that ensures a natural, nutrient-dense product. The focus is always on freshness, with most breads intended to be enjoyed within 48 hours, a testament to their dedication to quality over shelf-life. While the heart of the business lies in its acclaimed bread—favored by many of the finest restaurants and foodies across North Texas—the retail locations, including the one near SMU, offer a vibrant selection of hand-formed pastries, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, and desserts, making it an ideal spot for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go.

This specific location near SMU is perfectly positioned for locals, students, and commuters, offering a warm, neighborhood feel. Customers often praise the variety of offerings and the friendly service. The bakery successfully bridges the gap between a high-end artisan craft and everyday convenience, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of the Dallas food scene and a true Texas original.

Location and Accessibility

The Empire Baking Co. location being highlighted is situated in a bustling, accessible part of Dallas, serving the areas around East Dallas, Lakewood, and the Park Cities, with easy access off of US-75. This particular retail location is designed to cater to a fast-paced clientele, focusing on quick visits and convenient pickup.

The address for this popular bakery is:5614 E University Blvd, Dallas, TX 75206, USA

A key aspect of visiting this location is understanding the entry point. As noted by local users, the primary entrance is conveniently located off University Boulevard. While the surrounding area is busy, the bakery offers limited, dedicated parking spots directly in front of the main entrance for quick accessibility.

Accessibility information for the store includes:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Designed for a quick visit, making it perfect for grabbing items on the go

Services Offered

Empire Baking Co. goes beyond the typical bakery counter by offering a diversified menu of handmade goods and convenient prepared foods for both retail customers and large events.

The primary services and offerings available include:

• Daily-Baked Artisan Breads: A wide selection of hand-formed loaves and rounds baked every morning, including signature items like Sourdough, Heritage Wheat, Hippie Health, Raisin Pecan, Baguette, Paisano, and specialty flavors like Kalamata Olive and Jalapeno Cheese.
• Fresh Pastries and Sweets: An array of breakfast and dessert items such as Croissants (plain and chocolate), Cinnamon Rolls, Rugelach, Scones, and various muffins (like Almond Flour Coffee Cake and Blueberry).
• Gourmet Grab-N-Go Sandwiches: Pre-made and freshly prepared sandwiches using their own specialty breads, featuring favorites like Chicken Salad on Walnut Scallion Bread, Smoked Turkey on Whole Wheat Farm Bread, Peppered Turkey on Sourdough Bread, and Ham on Baguette.
• Fresh Salads and Sides: Prepared lunch options including the Accidentally Vegan Salad, Chicken Ranch Salad, French Lentil Salad, and sides like Mediterranean Chickpea Orzo Salad.
• Cookies and Brownies: A selection of decadent baked sweets such as the Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie, Classic M&M'S® cookie, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Brookie (brownie and cookie combination).
• Beverage Service: Offering a selection of coffee and tea, proudly serving Noble Coyote Coffee.
• Catering and Boxed Lunches: Customized options for large groups, including sandwich trays, salad plates, and individual boxed lunches, available for delivery with 24-hour advance notice.
• Convenient Fulfillment: Providing customers with multiple ways to receive their order, including Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, Onsite services, and Takeout.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Empire Baking Co. apart in the competitive Dallas food scene is its decades-long commitment to traditional artisan practices and product quality.

Key highlights that define the Empire Baking Co. experience:

• Dallas’ Longest-Operating Craft Bakery: With a history spanning more than 30 years, Empire Baking Co. has a proven track record of consistency and quality, making it a reliable name in DFW.
• Artisan Commitment: The founders established the bakery on the principle of making products of the “highest integrity”—using natural leavening, seven unique starters, minimal ingredients, and absolutely no preservatives or additives. Their bread is handcrafted and naturally nutrient-dense.
• Signature Breads: The daily menu is built around unique and popular loaves such as the hearty Hippie Health multigrain bread and the classic Sourdough Round, which is made fresh daily with a 30-year-old starter.
• Gourmet Lunch Destination: The bakery functions as a popular deli, combining their outstanding fresh bread with gourmet fillings to create high-quality, convenient grab-and-go sandwiches and salads.
• Seasonal and Holiday Specialties: The bakery continually offers specialized baked goods tailored to holidays and seasons, such as Pecan Pie and Sweet Potato Rolls for Thanksgiving, Stollen for Christmas, and Round Challah for the High Holy Days.
• Local Partnered Coffee: They enhance the in-store experience by proudly serving Noble Coyote Coffee, connecting with another local Texas brand to provide a full-service breakfast or break.
• Payment Convenience: All modern payment methods are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, allowing for quick and hassle-free transactions.

Contact Information

The primary retail location detailed above is one of Empire Baking Co.'s storefronts in the Dallas area. For immediate service or to place a general order, please use the following contact information. For larger catering orders, it is recommended to call the wholesale sales number provided in the search results to allow sufficient preparation time.

Address:5614 E University BlvdDallas, TX 75206, USA

Phone Number:(214) 308-7025

Mobile Phone:+1 214-308-7025

What is Worth Choosing

For Texans who value true artisan quality and a commitment to pure, simple ingredients, Empire Baking Co. is unequivocally worth choosing. In a market often saturated with mass-produced goods, Empire offers a product that is naturally leavened, hand-formed, and baked fresh every day. Choosing Empire means supporting Dallas' original craft bakery—a business that dedicates itself to an age-old craft.

The breadth of their offering—from a simple Baguette that is perfect for sopping up soup, to a complete Chicken Salad Sandwich on their signature Walnut Scallion Bread—provides incredible value and versatility. Whether you are a local home chef seeking high-quality bread for your next dinner party, a commuter grabbing a gourmet sandwich and Noble Coyote Coffee for a quick breakfast, or a corporate client needing elegant, reliable catering, Empire Baking Co. delivers. Their decades of experience and unwavering commitment to the traditional baking process ensure that every visit and every purchase upholds the highest standard of freshness and flavor, making it a beloved and essential institution for food lovers across North Texas.