New Vegan Bakery Opens in East Falls

Crust Vegan Bakery has officially relocated to East Falls, introducing a diverse range of plant-based offerings such as frosted vegan pop-tarts, dairy-free soft serve, and meatless breakfast sandwiches. The new establishment, situated at the intersection of Ridge and Midvale Avenues, marks a significant upgrade from its previous dual-location operation in Manayunk. Owner Meagan Benz noted that consolidating operations into a larger space has facilitated both retail and kitchen processes.

The newly established location features a transformed 3,000-square-foot office space that has been artistically redesigned to create a vibrant, inviting atmosphere. With baby-pink walls, white piping details, and light filtering through expansive windows, the bakery showcases a variety of all-vegan treats, including cheesecake slices, cinnamon buns, and crumb-coated coffee cakes. Benz aims to foster a community space where customers feel they can find everything they need.

Benz, who embraced a vegan lifestyle in 2009 while at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, founded Crust in 2015 originally as a wholesale bakery. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift to a storefront model in 2020, allowing Benz and her team to retain employees during a challenging economic climate. This pivot proved beneficial, resulting in increased profitability and the ability to expand staff.

The new bakery alleviates the logistical constraints posed by the prior dual-location setup, which had resulted in inefficiencies and product waste during transportation. Benz’s strategic move to East Falls not only addresses these issues but also positions Crust more centrally, enhancing accessibility for its predominantly local clientele.

Crust’s exciting transition includes the introduction of a coffee program, managed by former pastry decorator Jordan Fuchs. The menu will feature coffee and tea offerings, with ingredients sourced from the Maryland-based fair-trade roaster Rise Up Coffee, alongside house-made syrups. Notably, Crust will continue to offer beloved vegan soft serve and hearty breakfast sandwiches made with flaky croissants and seitan bacon alternatives.

Emphasizing creativity and sustainability, Crust aims to replicate the familiar tastes of traditional baked goods while providing unique, flavorful alternatives. With a commitment to innovation, Benz anticipates future additions to the menu, including made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and seasonal beverages, ensuring that Crust Vegan Bakery remains a vibrant culinary destination in Philadelphia.

Located at 4200 Ridge Avenue, Crust Vegan Bakery serves customers Wednesday through Sunday. The business continues to grow, attracting both vegan enthusiasts and those seeking delicious desserts that cater to dietary preferences.

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