A popular San Diego farmers market bakery known for its naturally fermented sourdough breads, hand-rolled bagels and sweet treats is preparing to make the jump to a permanent storefront, and it won’t be straying far from one of the markets where it has cultivated a loyal following.
Swells Sourdough Bakery is taking over the former RakiRaki/The Yasai restaurant space on India Street in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood for its first brick-and-mortar bakery. The move will give the homegrown business a permanent presence in the same neighborhood where customers can currently find its booth every Saturday at the bustling Little Italy Mercato.
Founded in 2022 by Pamela and Erik, Swells describes itself as a San Diego “coastal micro bakery” devoted to heritage-grain sourdough bread and baked goods made through traditional techniques. The company emphasizes organic, non-GMO ingredients and long fermentation rather than the shortcuts and additives common in mass-produced bread…