Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald created Levain Bakery in 1995, out of their passions for food, friendship, and hard work. Competitive swimmers and triathletes, Pam and Connie passed their workouts by engaging in passionate conversations about baking, which inspired them to open a small bread shop in 1995, which they named Levain Bakery.
One day, they created an ultimate chocolate chip walnut cookie to give them energy while training for a triathlon. They decided to sell a batch in their bakery, and they flew off the shelves. An icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious travelers from around the world.
From the start, they baked everything fresh on-site each day and donated the day’s leftovers to charity each night, actions that remain solidly in since 1995. Levain Bakery now has a handful of locations in their favorite neighborhoods across the country with more to come, as well as e-commerce gift boxes.
The single word that defines the work experience at King Arthur Baking Company: PRIDE. Pride in being a 100% employee-owned business, pride in being a B Corporation and a member of the 1% for the Planet, pride in providing superior baking products to passionate customers, and pride in being part of an organization that fully lives its mission to “inspire connections and community by spreading the joy of baking”. With generous benefits and 40 hours of paid volunteer time each year, King Arthur employee-owners believe in using baking as a force for social and environmental good. Long recognized as one of the best employers in Vermont, the King Arthur workplace is an open and safe environment where transparency and communication are of the utmost value. King Arthur employee-owners are encouraged to be inquisitive and authentic. Promoting from within wherever possible, King Arthur considers all roles to be absolutely critical to its overall success as a company, noting that “integrity and quality are baked into our core!” King Arthur employee-owners know they are trusted to show up each day living and communicating the company’s values and helping to embody the company’s vision. In turn, they experience the joy and pride in being part of an employee-owned company, where the thoughtful decision has been made to invite each employee to the ownership table. To all of you future employee-owners, your seat awaits you!