Levain Bakery’s Iconic Cookies Set to debut in Newport Beach
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEVAIN BAKERY
O.C.’s first Levain Bakery brings New York City’s favorite cookie to Fashion Island
Levain Bakery, the legendary bakery behind New York City’s favorite six-ounce cookies, will open its first Orange County location in early September at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, bringing its signature cookies, freshly baked breads, pastries and coffee to the region. The opening marks the bakery’s fourth Southern California location, continuing Levain's thoughtful retail bakery expansion.
Having celebrated its milestone 30th anniversary last year, Levain Bakery will introduce its legendary handcrafted cookies, breads, pastries and neighborhood bakery experience to a new community of fans. Located within Fashion Island, Orange County's premier shopping and culinary destination, the bakery joins Fashion Island's collection of premier retailers and restaurants.
"We have always felt that Levain brings people together, and our LA Bakeries have shown us that Southern California agrees,” commented co-founders and best friends Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald. “Levain in Newport Beach feels like the next natural step and can't wait to open our doors at Fashion Island."
Founded in New York City in 1995 by Weekes and McDonald, whose delicious breads and baked goods that immediately resonated with the neighborhood, drawing anticipation for their daily offerings. When the two decided to quietly start selling cookies, they flew out the door and an icon was born.
Today, Levain's crispy-on-the-outside-gooey-on-the-inside cookies have become a cultural phenomenon, drawing devoted fans from around the world while staying true to the bakery's humble beginnings. Remaining true to its neighborhood bakery origins, Levain continues the tradition of crafting its signature breads, pastries and six-ounce cookies by hand each day, using the same high-quality ingredients that defined its beginnings.
Guests visiting the Newport Beach bakery will find Levain's full assortment of freshly baked favorites, including its signature cookies, artisan breads, savory sandwiches, muffins, and pastries. The new location will also feature Levain’s full barista service, offering cappuccinos, cold-foam drinks, matcha and lattes, including a viral Cookie Milk Latte. The Orange County opening will take the brand to 20 bakery locations from coast to coast, joining bakeries in New York, Washington, D.C., Bethesda, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Longtime fans and first-time visitors alike will be able to experience Levain's renowned cookies, fresh breads, pastries and coffee when the Newport Beach bakery opens in early September. Located at 315 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, within Fashion Island, the bakery is near Macy's and Sushi Roku. Levain Bakery offers catering and event services designed to enhance corporate meetings, weddings, large-scale events and private celebrations. Their table-ready signature catering packages bring Levain’s world-famous cookies, artisanal breads, pastries, and sandwiches to any event.
ABOUT FASHION ISLAND
At the epicenter of Newport Beach style and culture, Fashion Island is an open-air shopping and culinary destination reflecting the coastal Southern California lifestyle. As one of the iconic regional centers in the Irvine Company portfolio with a curated collection of 150 retailers and acclaimed restaurateurs, Fashion Island blends timeless luxury, emerging brands, world-class designers, uncommon boutiques, and remarkable dining options, attracting guests seeking an exceptional retail experience. Visitors shop, dine and indulge in a lush resort-like setting with access to market exclusives like RH Newport Beach, L'Agence, Veronica Beard, Neiman Marcus, St. John, as well as culinary concepts Ocean 48, JOEY Newport Beach, Sushi Roku, True Food Kitchen, and more.
ABOUT LEVAIN BAKERY
Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald founded Levain Bakery in 1995 as a small bread shop on the Upper West Side of New York City. After training for triathlons, the founder duo started baking six-ounce cookies with simple, high-quality ingredients as the ultimate post-race treat. After finalizing the recipe, the cookie flew off the bakery shelves. Thirty years later with 19 current bakery locations, Levain is often lauded as the home of the world's best cookie, with new bakeries set to open this year in Newport Beach, CA and Coconut Grove, FL. For more information on Levain Bakery, visit LevainBakery.com or follow the brand on social media @levainbakery.
