Across the street from Riverfront Park is Salem’s slice of sunshine, Manna Bakery. You can’t miss its welcoming yellow stoop, the smell of freshly baked bread, and the almost constant stream of people in and out the door.
The bakery is most known for its breads, which all use long-ferment sourdough starter. The short and sweet name “Manna” means “bread from heaven,” and the baked goods selection is nothing short of that description.
Owners Dirk Liechty and Lydia Shore opened two years ago to make delicious breads and pastries that highlight the local produce. They had previously worked the markets for Albany’s Bodhi Bakery, where Shore was head baker from 2018 until they left in 2022.
The couple had grown to love Salem while working at the Saturday farmers market and started the Manna business as market vendors. Once they opened the spot downtown, it grew quickly and expanded with a cafe space next door…