South Austin’s ThoroughBread, is the latest small-batch bakery specializing in all-organic flour and naturally leavened sourdough. Owner Ryan Goebel has crafted a straightforward, no-frills menu that features slow-processed goods made with pure ingredients and a passion for perfection. The menu includes sourdough breads, traditional breads, decadent cookies and savory breakfast pastries. The one-man shop in South Austin offers in-store grab and go, online ordering for easy pickup, and delivery to patrons living in the 78704 neighborhood. Located at 1709 Bluebonnet Lane, ThoroughBread is slated to November 6th, 2018.
Everything on ThoroughBread’s menu revolves around their high-level ingredients and organic flours from distributor Ben E. Keith and eventually King Arthur Flour of Vermont, which has started shipping organic flours in low volume for him.
For the sourdough, instead of buying commercially produced yeast, Ryan grows his own. He uses a culture of fermenting flour that he has kept alive for three years to make his naturally leavened breads, a process that takes three days from start to finish. Ryan drops the temperature, or retards the dough, which slows down the fermentation, makes the gluten easier to digest, and increases the flavor.
Ryan is a native Austinite and grew up a just a few blocks away from the new small space that’s now home to the shop. In 2015, he baked his first loaf of bread. “I felt immense satisfaction turning a pile of ground wheat into something that was edible,” Ryan said. He knew he had to try his hand at sourdough, which he considered the holiest of breads, so he began studying and reading to learn more. But it wasn’t until his brother Matt gave him a copy of Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson that he really understood the process—and the importance of a starter.
He began experimenting and testing, and about a year later, after much trial and error to perfect his recipes, Ryan knew he was on to something when a neighbor asked to purchase a loaf each week. Word of mouth spread and soon Ryan began delivering bread to his 78704 community.
At this little neighborhood oasis the walls are painted with the inspiration of old jockey jerseys—referred to as “silks”—providing a pop of color, making the space feel fresh, cool, and easy. Bistro tables outside provide a spot to kick back and enjoy.
The delivery model services the 78704 area of South Austin and eventually will extend to other neighborhoods around the city. 78704 customers simply sign up online at www.thoroughbreadatx.com. ThoroughBread then delivers at the designated time, bringing homemade to your doorstep.
ThoroughBread is located at 1709 Bluebonnet Lane and is scheduled to open November 6th. The storefront opens at 7am, Tuesdays through Sundays.
For more information visit www.thoroughbreadatx.com