WPA Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Richmond and the broader Virginia area, WPA Bakery stands out as a true neighborhood gem, perfectly blending classic bakery traditions with modern, inclusive offerings. Situated in the heart of the community, WPA Bakery is much more than just a place to pick up a sweet treat; it is a full-service bakery, cake shop, and pie shop dedicated to serving high-quality, handmade desserts and light breakfast items. The bakery has earned a stellar reputation, not only for its commitment to classic favorites like moist layer cakes and rich pies but also for excelling in specialty dietary needs.

WPA Bakery has become a trusted source for exceptional gluten-free and vegan options that genuinely "exceed all expectations," as noted by delighted customers. From daily pastries and individual slices of pie to custom-ordered wedding cakes, every item is crafted with attention to detail and a passion for flavor. The atmosphere is designed for comfort, offering patrons a welcoming spot to grab a cup of coffee and a treat, enjoy a quick breakfast, or simply sit and take advantage of the available Wi-Fi. It’s a proudly local establishment, making some of your favorite desserts for years, and is even the hidden kitchen behind signature desserts at several popular Richmond restaurants, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the local food scene.

Location and Accessibility

WPA Bakery is conveniently located at 3414 Semmes Ave in Richmond, VA 23225, making it easily accessible for customers across the Southside and beyond. This prime location in a vibrant local neighborhood is a key aspect of its community appeal.

The bakery ensures a comfortable and hassle-free visit with several customer-friendly features designed for the local Virginia patron:

• Parking: The location offers the convenience of free street parking, a valuable amenity for a quick visit or for customers picking up large, whole dessert orders.

• Dining Options: Patrons can choose between the speed of takeout and a more relaxed experience with available dine-in seating.

• Digital Amenities: Wi-Fi is provided, making it an excellent spot for local professionals or students who want to enjoy a pastry and coffee while working remotely.

• Accessibility Focus: The service model is geared toward a “Quick visit,” ensuring that even during busy times, getting your favorite treat or breakfast item is an efficient process.

• Payment Flexibility: Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted, offering modern and convenient transaction methods for every customer.

Services Offered

WPA Bakery offers a comprehensive range of products and services that cater to daily cravings, special occasions, and diverse dietary needs within the Virginia community.

• Daily Pastry and Dessert Sales: A rotating selection of individual-serving sweets, including Cookies ($2.00), Cupcakes ($3.00), Brownies ($3.25), Macarons ($2.50), and unique French pastries like Caneles ($1.25) and Paquets ($3.50).

• Breakfast Service: Serving light, savory options to start your day, such as the classic Egg & Cheese sandwich ($5.00) and a dedicated Vegan Egg & Cheese sandwich ($5.25), often served on a Toasted Biscuit.

• Whole Dessert Special Orders: Custom orders for celebrations, including whole Pies ($33.00) and whole Cheesecakes ($38.00), often with options for customization on short notice.

• Specialty Custom Orders: Experienced in creating custom cakes and desserts for large events like weddings, including tiered cakes and reception dessert assortments, with staff like David and Jennifer noted for their amazing accommodation and support.

• Dietary Accommodation: Specialization in high-quality, delicious Gluten-Free (GF) and Vegan cakes, pies, and cookies, ensuring no compromise on taste for those with dietary restrictions.

• Coffee and Drink Offerings: Serving a range of beverages, including hot Coffee ($2.50), Tea ($2.50), Cold Brew, Seltzer ($2.50), and unique items like Masala Chai.

• Convenient Order Fulfillment: Offering multiple ways to receive your order, including Delivery, Takeout, In-store pickup, and In-store shopping.

Features / Highlights

The features that make WPA Bakery a standout choice for Richmond residents are rooted in the quality of its products and the commitment of its team.

• Unmatched Gluten-Free Quality: Customer reviews rave about the gluten-free options, especially the chocolate cake with peanut butter icing, noting it was “fresh and moist” and “unmatched,” which is a significant highlight for the GF community in Virginia.

• Specialty French Pastries: The presence of traditional, delicate treats like Caneles ($1.25) and Paquets ($3.50) sets WPA apart from typical bakeries, offering a European flair to the local pastry case.

• Full-Service Event Planning: The bakery excels in event services, offering everything from small, personalized wedding cakes (like a small two-tier lemon & raspberry cake) to a full reception spread of mini cookies and GF brownies, providing incredible value and accommodating service.

• Local Collaborative Partnerships: WPA Bakery’s reputation is so strong that they supply signature desserts—such as the Peanut Butter Pie and Hummingbird Cake—to other highly-regarded Richmond establishments, a testament to their consistent quality.

• Variety of Dessert Slices: Customers can indulge in single slices of Pie ($5.00), Cheesecake ($5.00), and Coffee Cake ($4.50), perfect for a mid-day treat without committing to a whole dessert.

• Inclusive Breakfast Options: Offering both a traditional Egg & Cheese sandwich and a specific Vegan Egg & Cheese sandwich demonstrates a dedication to serving the entire community's diverse breakfast needs.

• Highly Praised Staff Interaction: Customers consistently highlight the accommodating and responsive nature of the staff, noting the "amazing to work with" team who go "above and beyond" for large orders.

Contact Information

WPA Bakery welcomes all Richmond and Virginia residents to stop by or get in touch for custom orders:

Address: 3414 Semmes Ave, Richmond, VA 23225, USA

Phone: (804) 477-6449

What is Worth Choosing

WPA Bakery is truly worth choosing for local Virginians because it successfully marries high-quality, scratch-made baking with unparalleled dietary inclusiveness. Unlike many bakeries that offer one or two afterthoughts for gluten-free or vegan customers, WPA treats these options as specialties, delivering cakes and desserts that are consistently described as “phenomenal,” "moist," and "insanely good," even by non-vegan patrons. For anyone with a dietary restriction in the Richmond area, this bakery eliminates the compromise between safety and deliciousness, offering a level of confidence in quality that is a rare and precious find.

Beyond the dietary focus, the bakery excels in its core offerings. Whether you need a sophisticated, tiered cake for a wedding, a comfort-food slice of pie, or a simple, perfectly executed French Canelé, WPA delivers. The entire operation is backed by professional and highly accommodating service, ensuring that custom and large orders—often the most stressful part of event planning—are handled with ease and incredible value. When you choose WPA Bakery, you are not just getting a delicious treat; you are supporting a pillar of the Richmond food scene that is dedicated to quality, community, and ensuring everyone, regardless of diet, can enjoy a truly exceptional baked good.

WPA Bakery

3414 Semmes Ave, Richmond, VA 23225, USA