Third Space Bakery: A Haven of Creativity and Community Empowerment

Nestled snugly on a corner in Garfield, Third Space is more than just a bakery: it’s a vibrant, community-focused business that brings together art, chemistry, and a passion for food. Founded by a group of dedicated bakers and creatives, this cooperative is redefining what it means to serve delicious artisanal baked goods and to serve the local community. With some support from Invest PGH, the bakery is flourishing, offering not just their products but a space where people feel connected and welcomed.

The Power of Collaboration

Chloe Newman, one of the bakery’s founders, has a unique background in art and chemistry, which shines through in her approach to baking. She fell in love with sourdough, captivated by its wild and unpredictable nature, and soon turned her passion into a business. Partner Erika Bruce caught the baking bug when she attended culinary school, adds high class and culture with her specialization in European-inspired cakes and pastries. Their combined skills join third partner Beth Taylor who has a deep background in food writing and a degree in food studies. Together, the three women give Third Space its special flavor, a blend of creativity, science, and heartfelt community care.

A Co-Op Model with Heart

From the outset, Third Space Bakery has embraced a cooperative model where employees can become co-owners after six months. This structure reflects their commitment to fair wages, worker empowerment, and long-term sustainability. This has allowed them to create a business where employees aren’t just workers, they’re future partners who have a direct hand in shaping the business.

The bakery also makes a point to give back to the community. They donate tips to local nonprofits each month, supporting organizations like Garfield Community Farm and the Assemble community space. It’s their way of ensuring that the bakery’s success ripples outward, positively impacting the neighborhood that so warmly welcomed them.

The team’s community involvement extends even further. They host classes that teach wide varieties of kitchen skills, making the bakery true to its name: a “third space” for learning and connection. They also collaborate with nearby businesses, including Trace Brewing and Two Frays, hosting pop-ups and beverage pairing events. These partnerships are a big part of the bakery’s mission to be a real part of the fabric of Garfield and its surrounding communities, connecting with neighbors and supporting other local businesses.

Invest PGH: Helping the Dough Rise

Invest PGH played its own small role in helping Third Space transform from a dream to reality. The bakery team had talent and vision, but like many startups, they needed financial baking. When the trio was seeking a location to begin their journey, they knew they needed more than their initial investment to cover costs like equipment and build-out for their chosen space in Garfield. That’s when they turned to Invest PGH, helping them secure the funding they needed to launch the business. The process wasn’t without challenges but Invest PGH was there to help ensure that the bakery had everything it needed when the doors were opened.

Innovating for a Bright Future

As they look ahead, the founders are excited about the possibilities that lie in store. From planning wood-fired pizza nights to hosting more community events, Third Space Bakery is brimming with ideas to make the most of their space and engage with even more people. One dream is to add a cover to their beautiful outdoor seating area to create an inviting spot year-round. They also plan to continue working with local vendors to offer unique pairings, like craft beer nights and wine tastings.