#United States #New York City #Levain Bakery #Pam Weekes #Connie McDonald

Levain Bakery: A Journey of Cookies and Community

Levain Bakery, the beloved brand known for its cookies and unique community spirit, is commemorating its 30th anniversary with an exciting new book titled _Levain Bakery: A Story of Friendship, Community, and Cookies_. Co-founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald are thrilled to share their journey from a small Upper West Side bakery to a national phenomenon, where they have crafted not just baked goods, but lasting connections with their customers.

Scheduled for release on October 14, 2025, the book offers an intimate look at the duo's three-decade experience in the baking industry. It weaves together personal anecdotes, significant milestones, and heartfelt contributions from patrons who have been part of their story. The beautifully illustrated volume includes archival photographs, original artwork, and, of course, a selection of their popular recipes, allowing readers to recreate a taste of Levain at home.

Pam and Connie first met as triathletes, bonding over their shared passion for delicious food. Their journey began in 1995 when they opened a quaint bakery on Manhattan's Upper West Side. From humble beginnings, Levain Bakery quickly blossomed into a favorite local spot, eventually earning recognition as one of the best cookie destinations in the world.

Reflecting on the bakery's growth, Pam noted, "From day one, we just wanted to bake things we loved and share them with people. We never imagined it would grow into this incredible community." This sentiment is echoed throughout the memoir as they remind readers that Levain is about more than just cookies; it’s about the connections and friendships built along the way.

The book captures iconic moments in Levain's history, such as the time they sent a freshly baked braided Italian Easter loaf to Williams-Sonoma, which unexpectedly landed them in the company's national catalog. Stories like these illustrate the bakery's evolution, as they cultivated a loyal team and developed a diverse customer base spanning generations.

To celebrate the launch, Pam and Connie will engage in a series of book signings and discussions across multiple cities, including:

• - October 11: Hamptons at Book Hampton
• - October 13: New York City at Barnes & Noble Upper West Side
• - October 22: Washington, D.C. at The Brand Guild in Georgetown
• - October 28-29: Los Angeles with events in Beverly Hills and Larchmont
• - November 6-7: Chicago at The Book Cellar
• - November 8: Philadelphia at Bloomsday
• - November 24: New York City at Rizzoli Bookstore
• - December 3: Boston at Lovestruck Books

Additional events will be scheduled in other cities as well. Readers can stay informed by visiting the Levain Bakery website and following them on social media @levainbakery for the latest updates on events and releases.

Levain Bakery began in 1995 as a small bread shop, created out of the founders' desire to produce quality baked goods. After perfecting their six-ounce cookies, which started as the ideal post-race treat for athletes, they quickly gained popularity and flew off the shelves. Now, with 18 bakeries proudly serving customers, Levain has become synonymous with chocolate-chip cookie excellence.

As the team at Levain Bakery prepares to release this heartfelt tribute to their journey, it serves as a reminder of the power of entrepreneurship, friendship, and the impact of sharing good food. The book promises to inspire, educate, and entertain—celebrating both the successes and challenges that make their story truly unique.

For more information about Levain Bakery and to keep up with the latest news, visit www.levainbakery.com or follow them on social media @levainbakery.