Sunflower Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Maryland, particularly in the Montgomery County and Rockville areas, Sunflower Bakery offers a unique and deeply impactful reason to indulge in high-quality baked goods. More than just a local bakery, Sunflower is a recognized non-profit social enterprise and a vital Training Center. Its core mission is dedicated to providing skilled job training and employment opportunities for adults, aged 18 and older, who have learning differences. Every cookie, muffin, cake, and cup of coffee purchased directly supports this empowering community initiative.

This women-owned small business seamlessly blends an essential social cause with culinary excellence. Visitors can expect to find a wide array of delicious, freshly baked items, alongside specialty dietary offerings that are highly valued by the community. Customers consistently praise not only the deliciousness of the treats—including options that are dairy-free (Kosher Pareve), and marked gluten-free (GF) and nut-free (NF) products—but also the meaningful work being done. The warm and professional atmosphere, created by dedicated staff and students in training, makes every visit to Sunflower Bakery a rewarding experience. As a local hub, it truly represents an opportunity to ‘eat well and do good’ in the heart of Rockville.

Location and Accessibility

Sunflower Bakery is conveniently situated in the Rockville area of Montgomery County, a hub easily accessible for customers across Maryland. The main location is at 5951 Halpine Rd, Rockville, MD 20851, USA. This strategic address makes it an easy destination for a quick visit or a pre-arranged order pickup.

The business has made a strong commitment to being fully inclusive and accessible, which is critical given its mission as a training center for individuals with disabilities. Customers will find:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensuring smooth and easy access for all patrons.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Providing dedicated and convenient parking spaces.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Maintaining accessibility throughout the facility.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Allowing all guests to comfortably enjoy their treats and coffee on site.

For added convenience, the bakery provides a Free Parking Lot for a stress-free experience. The internal amenities also include both a standard Restroom and a Gender-Neutral Restroom, demonstrating a commitment to an inclusive environment that is also welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly.

Services Offered

Sunflower Bakery’s services revolve around its dual identity as a working bakery and a comprehensive training center. They provide a range of retail, custom, and convenience services to meet the needs of the Maryland community:

• Retail Baked Goods: Daily offerings including fresh Muffins, Cookies (Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Sunflower Sugar, etc.), Bars (such as Millionaire Bars and Brownies), and Loaves (like Banana Bread and Almond Choc-Chip Loaf).
• Beverage Service: A full-service coffee bar featuring an array of hot drinks, including Espresso, Americano, Latte, Mocha, and Hot Tea, perfect for pairing with a pastry.
• Custom and Specialty Cakes: Offering personalized orders for various occasions, including 4-layer Round Cakes, 2-layer Sheet Cakes, and specialty cakes like the 'Sunny Carrot' and 'Lemon Burst', with custom inscriptions available via edible plaques.
• Specialty Dietary Offerings: A dedication to inclusive baking with many products that are naturally dairy-free (Kosher Pareve) and specially marked items that are Gluten-Free (GF) and Nut-Free (NF), catering to diverse dietary considerations.
• Order and Pickup Options: Ensuring maximum convenience with services such as In-store shopping, In-store pickup, Takeout, Curbside pickup, and Delivery services.
• Workforce Development Training: Offering intensive 26-week employment training programs in Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality for adults with learning differences, preparing them for gainful employment in the food service industry.

Features / Highlights

Sunflower Bakery stands out among Maryland bakeries due to its profound community impact and its high-quality, specialized product line. These highlights make it a truly unique destination:

• A Non-Profit Social Enterprise: At its heart, Sunflower Bakery is a training center dedicated to providing skilled job training and employment for young adults with learning differences. Buying their products directly supports job preparedness and career pathways for members of the local community.
• Specialty Dietary Excellence: The bakery is highly regarded, even by "gluten-free skeptics," for its delicious and well-prepared Gluten-Free (GF) and Nut-Free (NF) options. Customers appreciate the care and quality put into items like the GF Almond Berry Cake, Millionaire Bars, and Fudge Cupcakes, which fill a significant need in the local market.
• Dairy-Free Kitchen (Kosher Pareve): The entire kitchen and all products are completely dairy-free. This commitment makes the bakery an essential resource for those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or those seeking Kosher Parve certified products for celebrations and everyday enjoyment.
• Women-Owned Small Business: The bakery proudly identifies as a small, women-owned business, adding a layer of community dedication and entrepreneurial spirit to its operation.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The wide array of accessibility features, including fully accessible restrooms and parking, along with a clearly designated LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, ensures that all members of the diverse Maryland community feel welcomed and comfortable.

Contact Information

For customers in Maryland seeking delicious baked goods, specialized dietary items, or wishing to learn more about the training programs, please use the contact information below:

Address: 5951 Halpine Rd, Rockville, MD 20851, USA

Phone: (240) 361-3698 (Also listed as +1 240-361-3698)

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Sunflower Bakery is a decision that extends far beyond merely satisfying a craving for something sweet. It is a powerful way for Maryland residents to engage in conscious consumerism, directly supporting the workforce development of young adults with learning differences. As a customer, you are not just purchasing a high-quality product; you are investing in a human being’s future and contributing to the economic independence of your neighbors in Montgomery County.

The quality of the baked goods is consistently exceptional, standing on its own merits. The bakery excels in its wide variety of products, from fluffy muffins and classic cookies to sophisticated, custom-ordered cakes. Crucially, the dedication to inclusive baking—offering outstanding dairy-free, peanut-free, and well-received gluten-free options—makes it an indispensable resource for many families and individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. Patrons rave about the ability to order specialty items, such as the Almond Berry Cake, and find them praised even by those without dietary needs. With robust accessibility features, multiple convenient ordering options including curbside pickup and delivery, and a friendly, professional team, Sunflower Bakery offers a truly exceptional and high-impact local experience. It is the premier place in Rockville where community mission, delicious treats, and inclusive service converge.

Sunflower Bakery

5951 Halpine Rd, Rockville, MD 20851, USA