Lakeland's Born and Bread Bakehouse Earns James Beard Award Nomination

A small Lakeland bakery near me has earned national recognition after being named a semifinalist for a prestigious culinary award. Born and Bread Bakehouse, founded 11 years ago by Jenn Smurr, now stands among the top contenders for the James Beard Award in the 'Outstanding Bakery' category. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15.

Jenn Smurr's passion for baking began during a honeymoon trip to Europe, where she fell in love with traditional bread and pastries. Back in Florida, she turned that inspiration into a business, starting with a modest stall at the Lakeland Farmer's Market. Over time, demand grew, and the bakery near me expanded into its first permanent location.

The operation took another step forward between 2020 and 2022 with the opening of a second site in Lakeland's Dixieland neighbourhood. Despite the growth, the team has stayed true to its roots, handcrafting every item from scratch using time-honoured techniques. Smurr has always prioritised quality, ensuring that each loaf and pastry reflects the care and skill of her bakers.

Beyond the food, she has worked to create a space where customers feel at home. The bakery's warm atmosphere encourages conversation and connection, something Smurr takes pride in. Now, as a James Beard Award semifinalist, she sees the nomination as a tribute to the dedication of her entire team.

Looking ahead, Smurr has no plans to slow down. She aims to keep expanding the business over the next five years while maintaining the same commitment to craft and community.

The James Beard nomination puts Born and Bread Bakehouse in the spotlight as one of the country's standout bakeries. The award ceremony on June 15 will determine whether the Lakeland team takes home the title. Regardless of the outcome, the recognition highlights the bakery's growth from a single market stall to a respected name in artisan baking.