Great Harvest Bread Company

I discovered last week that I have access in this great state of California to a childhood memory. Great Harvest Bread Company is that memory. Every week after my trombone lesson in Naperville, my mom would pick me up and we'd stop by the Great Harvest Bread Company for our weekly loaf of bread and free sample. The free samples were a full slice of the fresh made bread of your choice slathered with sweet, soft butter. Sometimes, if we were lucky, we also got a quarter of an oatmeal chocolate cookie--warm from the oven.

When I learned that there is a Great Harvest Bread Company (GHBC) right around the corner in South Pasadena, I knew I had to make it my priority to visit! I know I don't usually review chains, but this will have to be an exception.

I went with my sister in law to the bread company on pretty much the cutest street in South Pas. I didn't even know such an adorable street existed! Despite all the other restaurants on the street, GHBC was packed. The line was almost out the door at noon when we arrived. This GHBC offers sandwiches and salads in addition to selling fresh bread and cookies.

We decided to order lunch first and get our loaves of bread later. I ordered the ham & cheese sandwich on honey wheat, a bag of chips, and a juice squeeze. They don't offer fountain sodas at this place but they do offer Peet's Coffee and Iced tea. My meal was $10. The sandwich comes on their bread sliced so it is the size of a regular sandwich that you would make at home. There are a lot of options but nothing that is very different than a regular deli--except the bread.

The bread is really dense, so if that's not your kind of thing then this place is not for you. My sister in law ordered the Asian salad and I don't think the salads are worth it. If I were you, I would order a sandwich if anything..but honestly I don't think I'd go back for lunch. The service was slow and I could make the same sandwich at home. Go to the bakery before lunch and get your bread and head home and make yourself a sandwich.

The bread is fresh, and dense and just the way I remembered it. I'd be content with a little butter.

Great Harvest Bread Company

1019 Mission Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030

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