Levain Bakery to Open First Orange County Location This Fall
The New York-based bakery, known for its thick, gooey cookies, will debut in Newport Beach.
Levain Bakery, a New York institution famed for its distinctive, thick cookies, is set to open its first Orange County location in Newport Beach this September. The new outpost will be situated at the Fashion Island mall, located at 315 Newport Center Drive, near Macy's and Sushi Roku.
Founded in 1995 as a small bread shop, Levain Bakery has since grown to operate ten locations across New York and several other states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Florida. This expansion into Newport Beach marks the bakery's latest venture into California, adding to its existing Los Angeles area stores in Beverly Hills, Larchmont Village, and Venice.
"We have always felt that Levain brings people together, and our LA Bakeries have shown us that Southern California agrees," Levain co-founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald stated in a joint release. They added that the Newport Beach location represents a natural progression for the brand.
The new store will offer a full barista service, featuring items such as cappuccinos, cold-foam drinks, matcha, and lattes. Levain Bakery describes its cookies as a treat suitable for any occasion, from celebration to consolation. Popular flavors include Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin, Raspberry Pistachio, Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. The bakery emphasizes the cookies' textural balance, noting they are "decadently crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle."
Earlier in the month, Levain announced a collaboration with Crate & Barrel, introducing a line of cookie-themed merchandise. Despite the brand's popularity, some online commenters have suggested that other bakeries offer comparable or superior cookies.
