In 1995, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, two best friends with a shared passion for bread and fitness, opened a small bakery on New York City’s Upper West Side. They didn’t set out to start a cookie empire—they just wanted to make great bread. But one thing led to another, and when they created their six-ounce cookie as the perfect post-triathlon indulgence, the response was overwhelming. Their brand, Levain Bakery, was born from simplicity and care. Nearly 30 years later, they’ve built a national following on authenticity, scratch baking, and cookies so good they stop you in your tracks.
A Sweet West Coast Expansion
Now, in honor of International Women’s Month, Levain Bakery opens its newest storefront in the heart of Venice, Los Angeles. It marks their 17th location nationwide and second in Southern California, but it feels like the first all over again. Pam and Connie have always led from the oven, growing Levain with the same precision, passion, and purpose they brought to their first day on West 74th Street. Venice is not just a new location—it’s a new chapter.
The bakery sits on a sun-drenched corner of Abbot Kinney Blvd, its windows letting in golden California light. Designed by Brooklyn’s Sarah Carpenter & Studio, the space feels warm and inviting—wood grains, handmade blue tiles, and an open kitchen that lets guests watch the cookies rise in real time. A mural by LA-native Janice Chang decorates the interior wall, a whimsical nod to Venice beach culture and Levain’s roots in community.
Arcade Energy Meets Elevated Spirits
Levain Bakery Venice opened its doors with more than just celebration—it opened with purpose. All proceeds from opening day went to Venice’s own St. Joseph Center, a long-standing local organization that addresses homelessness and food insecurity through programs like the Bread & Roses Training Kitchen. It’s part of Pam and Connie’s ongoing mission to give back with every grand opening, something they’ve done since 2009.
The Flavor of New York, Baked in LA
To honor both coasts, Levain is debuting an exclusive flavor at its Venice outpost: the Black & White Chocolate Chip cookie. Inspired by the classic New York deli treat, it’s a heady mix of dark cocoa, semi-sweet chips, and white chocolate chunks—a cookie that pays homage to NYC with every bite, while basking in LA’s golden glow.
The rest of the cookie lineup includes signature favorites like Chocolate Chip Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin, Coconut Caramel Chocolate Chip, and a seasonal Lemon cookie that captures the bright notes of spring. Add their blueberry muffins, sticky buns, and Canyon Coffee espresso drinks, and you’ve got a bakery that feels both classic and coastal.
Women Who Bake the World Better
Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald didn’t just create a bakery—they created a blueprint for women-led success rooted in community, quality, and consistency. As their story continues to unfold on the West Coast, their Venice location stands as a powerful symbol during International Women’s Month. Not because it’s the newest Levain, but because it’s built on the same ingredients that made the first: grit, friendship, and a whole lot of good dough.
To learn more about the sweet delicious offering of Levain Bakery, check out their website at levainbakery.com. To see the preview details of the new location, Click Here
📍 1661 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice
🗓 Grand Opening is on April 4, Friday at 8 p.m.
⏰ Hours will be showcased on opening day
Photo credits: Image Courtesy of Mark Weinberg
