Semifreddi's Bakery
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bakery |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Eric Sartenaer, Carole Sartenaer |
| Headquarters | Alameda, California , United States |
Key people | Barbara Frainier, Michael Rose, Tom Frainier (President and CEO) |
| Products | Artisan breads and pastries, including baguettes, loaves, batards, French pastries, croutons, cookies, seasonal confections |
Semifreddi's Bakery operates as an artisan bakery located in Alameda, California, catering to the San Francisco Bay Area. The term Semifreddi translates from Italian as "half-frozen."
Origins and Initial Development
Established in 1984 by Eric and Carole Sartenaer, who previously contributed to the Cheese Board Collective, the bakery started its journey in a modest 450-square-foot location in Kensington, California.[1] In January 1987, Barbara Frainier, among their earliest staff members, assumed ownership alongside her husband Michael Rose. Barbara’s brother, Tom Frainier, became part of the team in 1988. To minimize expenses, the three shared a compact apartment in Berkeley.[2] Holding an MBA from Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Tom Frainier transitioned from a managerial position at Clorox to join the family enterprise.[3][4] As President and CEO—who humorously referred to himself as "Chief Boot Licker"—Frainier spearheaded Semifreddi's swift growth throughout the Bay Area, all while emphasizing premium European-style artisan bread and pastries.[4]
Current Operations
By 2024, Semifreddi's ranks among the largest artisan wholesale bakeries specializing in bread and pastries in the Bay Area, with its main office situated in Alameda, California. It stands alongside Acme as a dominant force within the San Francisco Bay bread industry. In 2009, the bakery relocated to a 33,000-square-foot facility designed to recycle 95% of its waste materials. Operating nonstop around the clock every day of the year, Semifreddi's offers more than 25 recipes and produces upwards of 50 varieties of artisan breads and pastries. Weekly output surpasses 200,000 baguettes, rolls, and loaves alongside 40,000 pastries and cookies. Its distribution network serves grocery retailers, dining establishments, and cafés throughout the Bay Area.
Product Range
Semifreddi's expertise lies in crafting French and Italian-inspired breads and pastries such as baguettes, loaves, batards, and classic French pastries. Their assortment also includes croutons, cookies, and seasonal confections.