Great Harvest Bread Co.

For residents of Waukesha County and the greater Milwaukee area, finding a local establishment that combines genuine historical charm with truly high-quality, freshly made products is a treasure. Great Harvest Bread Co. in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, is exactly that kind of local gem. Situated proudly on Watertown Plank Road, this small business distinguishes itself as more than just a bakery; it is a full-service culinary destination. Operating seamlessly as a Bakery, a Dessert restaurant, a Restaurant, and a Sandwich shop, Great Harvest caters to virtually every meal occasion, from a morning coffee run to a substantial lunch, or an afternoon treat. The commitment here is to a “from scratch” philosophy, ensuring that the cornerstone of their business—the bread—is always fresh, wholesome, and delicious, a vital characteristic appreciated by discerning Wisconsin consumers.

The local appeal is amplified by the sheer diversity of their offerings. This establishment serves as a pillar for those seeking the hearty, satisfying flavors often associated with high-quality, locally-produced food. From the substantial loaves of their daily baked bread to an array of gourmet, locally-named sandwiches, and an extensive selection of sweets and treats, Great Harvest provides an authentic and fulfilling experience. Their menu demonstrates a deep understanding of local tastes, moving far beyond standard bakery fare. As a small business, they focus on quality over mass production, ensuring that every item, whether it is a loaf of Honey Wheat or a Waukesha Cobb sandwich, meets a high standard that patrons have come to expect and rely upon, making it a solid local spot for bread and sweets throughout the community.

Location and Accessibility

Great Harvest Bread Co. is centrally located within the charming village of Elm Grove at 13404 Watertown Plank Rd, Elm Grove, WI 53122, USA. This address places the bakery right in the heart of an area steeped in local Wisconsin history. The building itself adds to the unique customer experience, being described by patrons as a charming bakery in a historic Elm Grove building—once part of the old Reinders general store and tavern from the 1800s. This historical context connects the business deeply to the area’s celebrated plank-road history and contributes to the overall small-village layout and feel that locals love. This unique setting provides a delightful atmosphere that enhances the pleasure of every visit.

Given its prominent location, the bakery is highly accessible for drivers, offering both Free parking lot and Free street parking. However, as is common in popular, charming village settings like Elm Grove, patrons should note that parking can sometimes get tight when the shop is busy, which is often the case given the popularity of the products. Despite this, the availability of free options remains a significant convenience for local customers.

Crucially, Great Harvest demonstrates a strong commitment to serving all members of the community through its comprehensive accessibility features. The establishment is fully equipped with a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and Wheelchair accessible seating. This ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility needs, can comfortably access the delicious food and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the bakery and sandwich shop. These features solidify its standing as a truly inclusive destination for all of Wisconsin’s patrons.

Services Offered

Understanding the varied schedules and preferences of the Elm Grove and surrounding Wisconsin populace, Great Harvest Bread Co. provides a diverse and flexible range of services designed for maximum customer convenience. These options ensure that their fresh bread and sandwiches can be enjoyed on-site or easily integrated into a busy daily routine.

Available service options at the Great Harvest Bread Co. include:

• Dine-in: Patrons can enjoy their fresh-baked goods, savory sandwiches, and coffee within the cozy and historic environment of the bakery. This allows customers to fully appreciate the atmosphere and enjoy their food fresh off the grill or oven.
• Takeout: Perfect for those on the move or planning to enjoy their purchases at home or work. Customers can quickly grab their freshly prepared order, making it an ideal option for a Quick visit.
• In-store Pickup: A convenience for pre-ordered items, allowing for a fast and efficient transaction without the need to wait for preparation. This is excellent for picking up large bread orders or catering for family meals.
• Delivery: Catering to the suburban lifestyle of Waukesha County, this service provides the ultimate convenience, allowing residents to have their favorite sandwiches, breads, and sweets delivered directly to their homes or businesses, saving valuable time.
• In-store Shopping: The traditional bakery experience, where customers can peruse the daily selection, sample the offerings (noting the sample tray is a nice extra), and interact with the staff while selecting their desired fresh breads and treats.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Great Harvest Bread Co. is built upon the quality and variety of its products, which are evident in its expansive menu that covers all the bases from breakfast to dessert.

Key features and product highlights that define the Great Harvest experience include:

• The Focus on Fresh Bread: The absolute cornerstone of the business, with bread made fresh daily. Standout everyday offerings include the beloved Honey Wheat, the rich Dakota, and the classic Sourdough. Specialty and daily rotation breads like Cranberry Hi, Cheddar, and Potato Dill ensure there is always something new and exciting to try.
• Extensive Sandwich Menu with Local Naming: The sandwich menu is a major draw, featuring both hot and cold signature sandwiches often named after local Wisconsin communities, strengthening the regional connection. Examples include the Pewaukee Turkey & Swiss, the Waukesha Cobb, and the Tosa Turkey Pesto. The variety caters to all preferences, from the hearty West Allis Roast Beef to the vegetarian-friendly Brookfield Veggie.
• Diverse Sweets and Treats Selection: Beyond bread, the bakery offers a vast range of desserts, making it a true dessert shop. Highlights include the highly-rated Salted Caramel Cookies, various seasonal scones (like Key Lime Scones and Turtle Scones), Kringle, Turnovers, and Brownies. The selection changes frequently, always offering a fresh take on classic favorites.
• Breakfast Options: They provide excellent solutions for the morning rush, including a variety of freshly brewed Coffee and a substantial menu of Breakfast Sandwiches, such as the Classic Bacon or Ham, Egg and Cheese and the fully Loaded Breakfast Sandwiches.
• Community Hub and Gift Shop Functionality: The bakery’s services extend to being a Food products supplier and a Gift shop, allowing patrons to purchase locally-sourced goods or unique gifts alongside their daily bread, reinforcing its role as a vital local resource.
• Multiple Payment Options: For maximum convenience, the bakery accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Contact Information

Reaching out to the Great Harvest Bread Co. team in Elm Grove is easy for all Wisconsin customers. Whether you are planning a large sandwich order, checking the soup of the day, or inquiring about which specialty bread is baking, the following contact details will be useful:

• Address: 13404 Watertown Plank Rd, Elm Grove, WI 53122, USA
• Phone: (262) 821-0118
• Mobile Phone: +1 262-821-0118

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in the Wisconsin area deciding whether to make a trip to Elm Grove for Great Harvest Bread Co., the decision ultimately rests on a clear priority: uncompromising quality and unique local flavor. While one customer review pointed out that the prices are high, they quickly followed this up by asserting that the quality holds up, which is the single most important factor for a specialty bakery and food provider. The high cost reflects the use of quality ingredients and the dedication required to bake fresh daily from scratch.

The core value proposition is the bread itself—it's not just bread; it's a difference you can taste, with standouts like the Cinnamon Chip and Honey Wheat being cited as exceptional. This is complemented by the "gourmet" side of their business, including products like their excellent Salted Caramel Cookies. Customers are paying for a superior, handcrafted product that stands heads and shoulders above typical grocery store options.

Furthermore, choosing this local spot means supporting a small business deeply embedded in the village’s heritage. The charm of dining or shopping in a historic building that embodies the area’s plank-road history adds an irreplaceable element of local pride to the experience. The added bonus of specialty items like the Sandwich of the Month, along with the full range of breakfast options and signature sandwiches, ensures that this is a convenient, one-stop-shop for a variety of high-quality meals, all made with care.

While a small number of customers have noted inconsistent customer service, the majority of the feedback centers on the excellent product quality and the friendly nature of the staff, emphasizing that the team is usually welcoming and that the sampling tray is a pleasant extra. Ultimately, the commitment to fresh daily baking, the vast, satisfying menu, and the historical setting make Great Harvest Bread Co. a worthwhile destination for any Wisconsin resident seeking the best in local baked goods and creative, hearty sandwiches, offering significant value that justifies the premium cost.