Ellen Yin Opens New Combo Bakery, Learning Space in Philadelphia

James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin has brought a new bakery and community hub to Old City, Philadelphia. Operating from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, The Bread Room will host a kickoff event on Monday, Oct. 20. The first 100 guests will receive free tote bags.

Designed by Marguerite Rodgers Interiors, the space features 14-foot ceilings, large windows, and a rustic, elevated interior with walls painted in green and burnt orange. The main area centers around a communal table that belonged to the founder of the Barnes Foundation.

The Bread Room will offer seasonal pastries, bread loaves, sandwiches, sourdough, pizza, salads, and its own interpretation of Pop-Tarts. 

In the evenings, the space will transform into a learning center with classes and workshops. Prospective bakers can sign up for these opportunities via OpenTable. According to Chef Christina McKeough, The Bread Room will launch a guest baker series featuring classes throughout the year. These classes will range from an introduction to sourdough and pizza-making to viennoiserie and seasonal topics.

"Bakeries are historically a gathering place for communities — whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee on your way to work, a place to randomly run into your neighbors, saying hello to the barista who remembers your order, or even a place where like-minded individuals might meet — bakeries connect people," Yin said to PhillyVoice. "We're all craving a little connection these days. Our workshops and classes further this sentiment, and we're eager to share our expertise with our community."