Mayor Michelle Wu proudly announced the opening of Flour Bakery + Café’s newest location in the historic Boston Common Concession Pavilion. This event brought together the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, celebrated pastry chef Joanne Chang, and local community members for a memorable ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process launched in the fall of 2024, Flour Bakery was chosen for its notable alignment with the city’s objectives. The city aims to enhance public spaces with high-quality food services, prioritize community-centered designs, and support local ownership.
“Flour Bakery brings community and deliciousness to Boston Common with new treats and classic favorites, helping to build the excitement and activation Downtown,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. She expressed her enthusiasm for welcoming this cherished local business into one of Boston’s most iconic park spaces just in time for the summer season.
Led by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and co-owner Joanne Chang, Flour Bakery stands out as a women- and minority-owned small business that began its journey in the South End, where it first opened in 2000. The new Boston Common location marks Flour’s 10th bakery in the Boston area, providing an exceptional opportunity to cater to both devoted patrons and newcomers visiting the heart of Boston’s scenic park.
With a soft opening held on April 15, the Flour Bakery space on the Common will feature special pastries crafted specifically for this location. Highlights include soft serve and their signature Embrace Sticky Bun, which are bound to entice many visitors.
“After 25 years of serving up sticky buns, BLTs, and warm smiles to Bostonians, the opening of our 10th bakery in the Boston Common is our love letter to the city,” stated Joanne Chang. She emphasized the importance of the Boston community, noting that Flour’s success is a reflection of the support they’ve received over the years.
The introduction of Flour Bakery is part of Mayor Wu’s broader initiative to revitalize Downtown Boston, focusing on improving public spaces while also fostering local businesses. Reactivating the Boston Common Concession Pavilion is critical to the Boston Common Master Plan, which highlights the need for enhanced connections between the park and the city, alongside promoting a stronger sense of place throughout the park.
Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett remarked on the significance of Flour Bakery’s arrival, articulating a vision for parks that are vibrant and inclusive while being resilient against climate challenges. “We’re excited to continue activating this treasured historic space and proud to support partnerships that enhance the daily experience of our parks while helping build a stronger and more welcoming Downtown,” he said.
Flour Bakery’s grand opening joins other seasonal attractions in the Common, including the much-anticipated return of the UnCommon Stage and Beer Garden in collaboration with Emerson College. This development will provide food, beverages, and live music, further enhancing the park’s community offerings.
As the city collaborates with community partners to activate every corner of the Common, these initiatives align with the goals of the Boston Common Master Plan. The plan strives to expand amenities that cater to park visitors, create multifunctional spaces welcoming to diverse crowds, and strengthen the park’s natural, historic, and cultural character.
State Representative Jay Livingstone shared his excitement about Flour Bakery’s entry into Boston Common. He looks forward to the ongoing success of this beloved local establishment and the community benefits that will arise from re-activating this pivotal space.
City Councilor Sharon Durkan highlighted the opening as a significant achievement for the city and a celebration of the nation’s oldest park. She commended Joanne Chang’s leadership in shaping Boston’s food scene and fostering economic vibrancy, which in turn creates inviting spaces that nourish the community through food and love.
The new Flour Bakery location is anticipated to bring joy and sweet memories to all who visit, continuing its tradition of delighting the Boston community.
image source from：https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-wu-and-boston-parks-and-recreation-department-cut-ribbon-flour-bakery-boston-common
