Glenn Family Bakery

Imagine taking the time to be so patient, cooking something so precise that it takes over two hours to get right. That’s only the caramel component for the Glenn Family Bakery’s Award- Winning Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars accompanying buttery shortbread crust and chocolate ganache.

“They have a cult following,” says Lisa Glenn, who owns and operates GFB with her husband, John, a classically trained French pastry chef and master bread maker, and their sons Paul and Ian.

The Glenns have more than 25 years of baking and hospitality experience. When they decided to take a chance and focus on the Glenn Family Bakery, “It was a huge leap of faith,” Lisa admits. “We have been really lucky.” Since their rebranding from Cheesecake Me to Glenn Family Bakery just over a year ago you might have noticed their increasing presence around town. GFB already had a fan base in Sarasota, but wanted to do more.

“There is a savory side to baking as well as a sweet side,” says Lisa, and GFB wanted to incorporate that side into the business too.

GFB expertly produces a variety of baked goods. Top sellers include their organic sprouted grain breads, oatmeal power cookies and peanut butter cookies (that just happen to be gluten free) and even sandwiches and quiche. For their high-protein, low-carb organic sprouted grain and legume breads GFB uses ingredients such as lentils, garbanzo, quinoa, and lots more. After sprouting they are turned into a paste then incorporated into modified family recipes. This process, different from a dehydrated grain process, maximizes the vitamin value and also classifies these breads as a prebiotic. Specialty heirloom ancient grains like kamut, which hold a 3,000-year grain lineage, make sure these breads are coming from a long line of quality.

It’s all about community for the Glenn Family Bakery. When the time came, GFB stepped into the market scene. The Central Sarasota Farmers’ Market and Phillippi Farmhouse Market have given GFB the chance to connect with their customers and build relationships.

“It’s really awesome to have regulars that come see you every week,” says Lisa. Through partnerships with local businesses you can find their crave-able creations from Sarasota to Tampa. The Reserve in Sarasota now offers several GFB favorites and a new monthly pop-up concept at their kitchen opens opportunity for collaborations and a grab-and-go line. Custom orders, delivery, and shipping are also available.

Sweet or savory, Glenn Family Bakery has something for everyone. “If you call me and say, ‘My family member has this dietary restriction,’ we can custom make something for you.” After much experience, Lisa says Glenn Family Bakery can do anything—living up to #fromscratchwithlove.

► Glenn Family Bakery: info@glennfamilybakery.com; glennfamilybakery.com