From classes to breads, this Wilmington bakery offers something for everyone

Baker Julia Castellano made the move from farmers markets to her storefront, Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse, in 2022. At the time, she wanted to create a space to make her old-world style breads and a place for people to learn at 3410 Wrightsville Beach Ave. in Wilmington.

Since then, she regularly has people come into the shop again and again.

“They say one of two things,” Castellano said. “They either say it reminds them of something from their past, like a place they went to with their grandmothers, or it reminds them of somewhere they’ve been, like a European bakery."

Doubled in size

Since Little Loaf opened, Castellano has slowly been growing. She’s doubled her staff, which now includes 15 employees, from those who work full-time to those who help out at the two farmers markets where she sells baked goods.

She’s also doubled her menu to include a variety of specialty products. In addition to favorites like sourdough and rye bread, they make croissant dough weekly. You can find croissants (traditional and chocolate) in the bakery on Saturdays, but they also use the laminated dough for a variety of other goodies, like the seasonal croissant cups filled with pastry cream and fresh fruit.

Something unique

In addition to daily offerings, Little Loaf has a rotating selection of breads and pastries. Some are available once a week and there are also seasonal goodies and coffee drinks. Plus, at any given time, you might see something that’s a one-off special.

“Usually, it’s something we make because we’re craving it, or it’s something we make for someone’s birthday,” she said. “So we decide to make enough to sell, too.”

That could be a layer cake, or a special treat. Castellano also wants to have something for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free goodies that stand up to their traditional counterparts.

“I want them to be just as good as anything I make,” she said. “I don’t want to sell something if it’s not good.”

Classes and more

Little Loaf also is a place for learning, and usually hosts one or two baking or cooking classes each month, in addition to private events. But, eventually, Castellano said she’d like to do more.

“They fill up so quickly,” she said. “I’d love to get to a place where I can have more time to offer more.”

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse in Wilmington, NC, offers classes, breads