Scratch Baking Co

For many residents of Maine, particularly those in the vibrant South Portland area, the quest for the perfect breakfast or a truly exceptional baked good often leads directly to Scratch Baking Co. This is more than just a bakery; it's a neighborhood artisan institution nestled in Willard Square, celebrated for its phenomenal sourdough bagels and an array of other delectable treats. Step inside, and you're immediately greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods, a testament to their commitment to crafting everything "from scratch."

Scratch Baking Co. was co-founded by Allison Reid (All Things Bread), Bob Johnson (All Things Business), and Sonja Swanberg (All Things Sweet). Allison and Sonja's shared love for baking, dogs, and country living, which began in North Carolina in the mid-1990s, eventually led them to Maine. In 2003, Sonja and Bob visited Allison in South Portland and were captivated by the area and the potential of a small, run-down building. They took a leap, bought the building, and with Allison, aimed to create a perfect neighborhood bake shop. They officially opened in June 2004 as One Fifty Ate at Willard Square, and in December 2006, they changed the name to Scratch Baking Co., reflecting their dedication to genuine, homemade products and even honoring Sonja's dog, Scratch. Over the years, they expanded their operations, moving bread and bagel production to a former gas station on Broadway, and even converting an old oil-change bay into a toast bar. This history showcases their deep roots in the community and their evolution as a cherished local business.

What truly sets Scratch Baking Co. apart is their unwavering dedication to quality and the "scratch" philosophy. Every item is crafted with care, using traditional methods and fresh ingredients. This commitment is particularly evident in their sourdough bagels, which have garnered a near-cult following among locals. The bakery aims to be a personal, welcoming, and good-natured environment, fostering a strong connection with the neighborhood it serves. For Mainers, discovering Scratch Baking Co. means finding a place where passion for baking meets a genuine love for the community.

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Location and Accessibility

Scratch Baking Co. is conveniently located at 416 Preble Street, South Portland, ME 04106, USA. This prime spot places it firmly within the charming Willard Square neighborhood of South Portland, making it an easily accessible and beloved destination for local residents. Preble Street is a well-known artery, facilitating straightforward navigation for those coming from within South Portland or from neighboring communities like Portland, Cape Elizabeth, or Scarborough.

The bakery's location in Willard Square contributes to its neighborhood charm. It's the kind of place where locals can walk or bike to for their morning coffee and bagel, becoming a regular part of their routine. While parking in popular neighborhood spots can sometimes be a consideration, the general accessibility and the welcoming atmosphere make it a convenient stop.

It's important for customers to note their specific operating hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM. This schedule highlights their focus on fresh, morning-baked goods. As noted by loyal patrons, arriving "decently early" is advisable, especially if you have your heart set on specific popular items like their everything or sesame bagels, which can sell out quickly. Their online ordering system for larger quantities (3 dozen or more bagels) also enhances accessibility by allowing customers to secure their desired items without risking a sell-out for big orders, while walk-ins are first-come, first-serve for smaller purchases.

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Services Offered

Scratch Baking Co. offers a specialized yet diverse range of freshly baked goods, with a strong emphasis on quality and artisan craftsmanship:

• Artisan Sourdough Bagels: This is their standout offering, renowned for being "the best fresh sourdough bagels around." They come in various popular flavors, including Plain, Sesame, Maine Sea Salt, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin. They are celebrated for their "crusty outside with soft insides."
• Delightfully Whipped Cream Cheeses: To perfectly complement their bagels, they offer a selection of cream cheeses, noted for their "delightfully whipped" texture. These are available in a cooler for easy pickup.
• Cookies: A range of delicious cookies is available, including Chocolate Chip (also in vegan and gluten-free options), Salted Double Chocolate (vegan), Oatmeal Walnut Raisin (vegan), Peanut Butter, and Ginger Molasses. These are baked daily in small quantities.
• Breakfast Pastries: A selection of morning treats such as Cinnamon Rolls (vegan), Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze (gluten-free & dairy-free), and various Muffins (e.g., Blueberry with crumb topping, Pumpkin with chocolate chips which are gluten-free/vegan).
• Brownies and Bars: Rich brownies (Chocolate Frosted and Peanut Butter Frosted, both gluten-free/vegan) and delicious brownie truffles (gluten-free/vegan) are offered. Raspberry bars and Lemon bars are also available, though not daily.
• Cupcakes: A rotating selection of cupcakes, including flavors like Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (gluten-free), Chocolate Salted Caramel, Mocha (gluten-free/vegan), and Snickerdoodle (vegan).
• Custom Cakes and French Macarons: They specialize in custom cakes and decorated cupcakes for events, requiring pre-orders. French Macarons are also available for larger minimum orders, with various flavor options.
• Online Ordering for Bulk/Special Orders: Customers can pre-order 3 dozen or more bagels online with 72-hour notice. Other items like cookies, pastries, and brownies can be pre-ordered for specific quantities or flavors by 12 pm the day before. Cakes and custom orders require more lead time.

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Features / Highlights

Scratch Baking Co. has earned its stellar reputation in Maine through several distinctive features and highlights:

• Legendary Sourdough Bagels: This is undeniably their flagship product. Customers consistently declare them "the best fresh sourdough bagels around," praising their "crusty outside with soft insides" and asserting that they "don't need to be toasted" due to their inherent perfection. The "Maine Sea Salt bagels" are particularly highlighted as a delightful local twist.
• True "Scratch" Baking Philosophy: As their name suggests, they are deeply committed to baking from scratch, ensuring freshness, quality, and a genuine homemade taste in all their products. This philosophy extends from their bagels to their cookies, pastries, and even homemade cream cheeses.
• Delightfully Whipped Cream Cheeses: The quality of their cream cheese is specifically noted, described as "so delightfully whipped," providing the perfect accompaniment to their exceptional bagels.
• Dietary-Friendly Options: They offer a thoughtful selection of vegan and gluten-free items across their cookies, pastries, brownies, and cupcakes, making their delicious treats accessible to a broader range of customers with dietary needs.
• Early Opening for Freshness: Their early morning operating hours (7 AM) cater to locals looking for the freshest possible baked goods, though popular items sell out quickly, emphasizing their freshness and demand.
• Neighborhood Artisan Bakery Feel: They pride themselves on being a "small neighborhood artisan bakery" with a "personal, welcoming, and good-natured" environment. This fosters a strong community connection and a pleasant customer experience.
• Consistent High Demand: The frequent sell-out of popular items like everything and sesame bagels, even early in the morning, is a clear indicator of their immense popularity and the consistent quality that drives customer loyalty.
• Family-Oriented History and Evolution: The story of their founding and growth, including expanding their baking facilities and adding a toast bar, showcases their dynamic nature and deep roots in the South Portland community.

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Contact Information

For Maine locals eager to experience the renowned baked goods from Scratch Baking Co.:

• Address: 416 Preble St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
• Phone: (207) 799-0668

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Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of South Portland and across Maine, Scratch Baking Co. is an indispensable local treasure that perfectly embodies the state's appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and community. Its dedication to baking everything "from scratch," especially their legendary sourdough bagels, resonates deeply with locals who seek authentic, high-quality food. The fact that their bagels are so perfectly textured they "don't need to be toasted" is a testament to their superior quality, setting them apart from any other.

The bakery's commitment to being a welcoming and good-natured neighborhood spot fosters a strong sense of community, making it more than just a place to grab a bite – it's a part of the daily rhythm of Willard Square. The early opening hours cater to busy mornings, and the delightful range of options, including thoughtful vegan and gluten-free choices, ensures there's something for everyone. While popular items sell out quickly, this only reinforces their freshness and high demand, encouraging locals to get there early for their favorites.

From a heartwarming origin story rooted in friendship and a shared love for baking to their consistent delivery of exceptional products and friendly service, Scratch Baking Co. stands as a prime example of a local business that genuinely serves its community with passion and excellence. For any Mainer seeking the best in artisan bagels and delightful baked goods, Scratch Baking Co. is undoubtedly a must-visit and a cherished local favorite.

Scratch Baking Co

416 Preble St, South Portland, ME 04106, USA