Great Harvest Bread Co.

For residents across Northern Virginia seeking a true, dedicated bakery—a place where the warm, comforting scent of fresh-milled grain is the first thing you notice—Great Harvest Bread Co. in Alexandria stands out as a genuine local gem. Positioned in the convenient Centre Plaza, this establishment is far more than just a source for baked goods; it is a full-service Bakery and Coffee shop that doubles as a lively Dessert shop and Cookie shop, offering real, honest food made with wholesome ingredients.

The core identity of Great Harvest Bread Co. is built on a tradition of quality that sets them apart from typical grocery store bakeries. They champion the phrase: "Bread. The way it ought to be." This commitment starts with the daily milling of 100% whole wheat flour right in their bakery. This meticulous, time-honored practice ensures every loaf—from the celebrated Honey Whole Wheat to their unique seasonal creations like Apple Scrapple—is packed with maximum flavor and nutrition. Customers often praise the bread for being "delicious" and are thrilled to have found a "true bread bakery besides the Amish and Farmers Market."

Moreover, this location proudly Identifies as women-owned, adding a significant layer of local community focus and entrepreneurial spirit to its operation. While the bread is undoubtedly the star, the menu extends to include satisfying Breakfast options, gourmet sandwiches, scones, and cookies, all served with a commitment to kindness. Whether you are stopping for a quick visit or planning to pick up a special order, Great Harvest Bread Co. aims to provide a high-quality, memorable experience. This bakery exemplifies the best of local business in Virginia: wholesome food, dedicated service, and a deep connection to the community.

Great Harvest Bread Co. is located in Alexandria, Virginia, a highly accessible location for residents throughout the area. Its placement within the Fairlington Centre shopping area offers practical benefits for local users.

The full address is: 1711 Centre Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22302, USA.

The bakery is situated between familiar retailers like CVS and Baskin Robbins, making it easy to find and integrate into daily errands. Accessibility features are a priority at this location:

• Vehicle Access and Parking: The bakery is conveniently situated off Quaker Lane, a major artery, and is part of a retail center, which provides ample and easy parking for customers driving to the location.
• Physical Accessibility: The premises are fully equipped for all patrons, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring a welcoming experience for customers with mobility concerns.
• Public Transportation: For those preferring a car-free commute, the Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus system and regional Metrobus serve the Alexandria area extensively. Key DASH routes, such as Line 35 and Line 36, service nearby areas and connect to major transit hubs like the Pentagon Metro, making the Fairlington Centre location reachable by public transit, although a short walk from the nearest stop may be required. The City of Alexandria’s commitment to public transit is robust, making it a viable option for many local users.

The Great Harvest Bread Co. Alexandria location provides a robust selection of services to accommodate various customer needs, emphasizing convenience and quality:

• In-store Shopping: A warm, inviting retail space for browsing the daily baked breads, sweets, and merchandise. This allows customers to sample fresh-baked goods before purchase.
• In-store Pickup: For customers who pre-order loaves or large quantities of goodies, allowing for quick retrieval of their items.
• Curbside Pickup: A modern convenience that allows for easy, fast collection of orders without having to leave your vehicle, ideal for a Quick visit.
• Takeout: All items, from coffee and breakfast sandwiches to full loaves and cookies, are available for quick takeout.
• Catering/Large Orders: While not explicitly listed as a service, the capacity to order loaves and sweets in advance, as demonstrated by the customer's special order of the Apple Scrapple loaf, suggests they accommodate custom and large-volume orders.
• Dining Options: The bakery serves a variety of Breakfast items, including custom-built breakfast sandwiches on freshly baked bread or biscuits, muffins, and scones.

This Alexandria bakery is highlighted by several distinguishing factors that appeal strongly to local Virginia customers focused on quality and community values:

• Daily Fresh-Milled Whole Wheat: The most significant highlight is their dedication to milling 100% whole wheat flour in-house every day. This practice ensures maximum freshness, nutrient retention, and superior flavor in every loaf, setting them apart as a true bread bakery.
• Famous Honey Whole Wheat Bread: This is a flagship product, consistently lauded by customers as "delicious." Made with only five simple ingredients (Flour, Water, Honey, Yeast, and Salt), it is the epitome of "bread the way it ought to be."
• Wide Variety of Breads and Sweets: The menu features an extensive range of breads, including specialty loaves like Three Cheese, Cinnamon Chip (their best seller, excellent for French toast), and Extreme Cinnamon Swirl. Sweets include giant, frosted Cinnamon Rolls, gourmet Cookies (like Chocolate Chunk and Oatmeal Raisin), and fresh Scones (e.g., Berry Cream Cheese, Maple Oatmeal).
• Full-Service Bakery Cafe Offerings: Beyond loaves, the bakery offers a full range of cafe items, including hot and cold sandwiches (like Baja Chipotle Turkey and The Cubano), fresh salads, and full Coffee service, making it a complete Breakfast and lunch destination.
• Commitment to Customer Service: As evidenced by the experience of one customer whose loaf was personally delivered by staff member Megan to ensure its freshness, the business demonstrates a capacity and willingness to go above and beyond for the customer.
• Amenities and Payments: The shop provides comfortable amenities, including a clean Restroom and complimentary Wi-Fi. They offer flexible payment options, including Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

To place a special order, check the daily bread schedule, or inquire about their seasonal offerings, please use the following contact details:

Address:

1711 Centre Plaza

Alexandria, VA 22302, USA

Phone:

(703) 671-8678

Choosing Great Harvest Bread Co. in Alexandria is a choice to prioritize quality, health, and a genuinely local experience. For Virginia residents, especially those in the Northern Virginia and Alexandria area, this bakery offers a value proposition that is difficult to match.

The primary reason this bakery is worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to the bread-making process. In a world of preservative-laden, commercially-produced baked goods, Great Harvest insists on milling 100% whole wheat flour daily. This artisanal commitment directly results in bread that is not only "delicious" and flavorful but also inherently wholesome and nutritious. The Honey Whole Wheat bread is a must-try staple that embodies this philosophy—simple, real, and satisfying. Finding such a true bread bakery locally is a major advantage for health-conscious and quality-focused consumers.

Secondly, the shop’s diverse product range and convenience make it a highly practical choice. It’s not just a stop for bread; it’s a destination for a quick, filling Breakfast sandwich on a freshly baked biscuit, a gourmet lunch sandwich on phenomenal bread, or an afternoon indulgence like a Cinni-mini Tin of cinnamon rolls. The ability to grab a cup of quality Coffee and enjoy free Wi-Fi makes it a perfect short stop for commuters and remote workers alike.

Finally, supporting Great Harvest Bread Co. is an investment in a local business with strong values. As a women-owned establishment, it contributes positively to the diversity and strength of the local economy. Moreover, the personal touch and dedication to customer satisfaction—exemplified by the staff member who went "above and beyond" to personally deliver a customer's favorite loaf to ensure its freshness—demonstrates a commitment to community that transforms a simple transaction into a meaningful local relationship. While one customer noted an experience of poor customer service, the overwhelming evidence, including the extraordinary care shown in fulfilling a special shipping request, suggests the Alexandria team is deeply invested in fostering a friendly and exceptional customer experience. A purchase here is a vote for quality ingredients and remarkable local service.

Great Harvest Bread Co.

1711 Centre Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22302, USA