When Broad Street Bakery and Cafe opened in 1998, Dan Blumenthal and Jeff Good were looking to create a meeting place for all of Jackson. Nearly 20 years later, their vision is reality.
The open space and counter service concept create an environment that encourages meeting and greeting three meals a day and in between. Broad Street has become the crossroads of the Metro Jackson community. It’s truly the place where friends and business associates meet.
“That coffee pot has sealed a lot of deals,” said Good.
“That coffee pot has sealed a lot of deals,” said Good.
When asked why he thinks that Broad Street is the place where locals congregate, Good attributed it to bottomless coffee, good food, and a good internet connection. But there’s a lot more to it than that.
Broad Street has a story.
Dan Blumenthal and Jeff Good are lifetime Jacksonians who chose to use their talents to improve the city, but that’s only the end of the story of Broad Street.
Broad Street’s walls display the picture of a kind, grandfatherly baker, smiling and holding a braided loaf. This iconic image which looks like it’s right out of central casting, is actually Chef Dan Blumenthal’s grandfather, a second generation American immigrant and baker who operated multiple bakeries in New Jersey during his lifetime. Most notably, Blumenthal’s Bakery was located on – you guessed it – Broad Street in Trenton, New Jersey.
Dan told us that while some of his old family recipes still exist, the science of baking generally prevents exact copies of his grandfather’s breads. That plus changes in available ingredients over almost a century led Dan to create recipes that pay homage to the kind of breads that were baked by his family. These recipes – like fresh baked challah and pumpernickel rye – can be found regularly at Broad Street Bakery and Cafe in Jackson, Mississippi.
Where families are celebrated.
The family friendly atmosphere at Broad Street is another hallmark of this Jackson institution. Every kids meal includes a free, fresh-baked cookie, and the case of fresh sweets is sure to speak to everyone’s inner child.
“Jennifer Lancaster, the head baker, and her team pushed out over 5,000 king cakes this past Mardi Gras season, and people, even outside of Jackson are starting to notice.”
Over the last few years Broad Street has expanded its vast dessert selection to include king cakes. Jennifer Lancaster, the head baker, and her team pushed out over 5,000 king cakes this past Mardi Gras season, and people, even outside of Jackson are starting to notice. Requests for shipping came in daily as the Broad Street team worked in multiple shifts to keep up with demand throughout the season.
Eat like a local at Broad Street.
Enjoy the generous portions of sandwiches on fresh baked bread or choose one of their hearty pasta, pizza or daily quiche or entree specials (posted daily on their web site). If you happen to land there on Thursday evening, their recent edition of a Thursday night burger special has become so popular that you need to get there early to ensure that you get one!
If you want to eat like a local, no trip to Jackson, Mississippi is complete without a visit to Broad Street Bakery and Cafe in midtown inside of Banner Hall. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and until 3:00 on Sunday, the quality and depth of the food will please even the pickiest eaters.
Photos provided by Broad Street Bakery & Cafe