Community Gathering Stop and Cafe: Grand Central
Most people know what to expect from the world’s #3 largest fast-food chain founded in Seattle. The chain started as a coffee shop; and evolved to what it is today. Every store looks and feels about the same because adherence to corporate standards results in consistency across the brand. Corporations equate consistency with quality.
That is not the approach of another Pacific Northwest bread, pastry and coffee corporation founded in Seattle. Grand Central 
Bakery was founded in 1972 to supply hand-crafted rustic bread for restaurants and grocers. As we know, Grand Central operates neighborhood cafes that serve bread, pastries, soups, and sandwiches. Each one of their 11 locations is intentionally unique to the communities they serve. They all have the same menu; but their seating, serving, and access are all quite different. This month’s spotlight is on Grand Central Bakery – Mississippi cafe located on North Fremont Street, which is a favorite of the PBC Friday Wilshire Park rides. ✎
The Mississippi location has it all – great coffee, pastries, bread, lunch fare, indoor and outdoor seating, accessible restrooms, and bike parking. Many riders appreciate free coffee refills; and GCC has coffee carafes available for self-service refills. As you step through the front door, you’ll see the display case filled with delicious pastries. The cookies, muffins, classic cinnamon rolls, and almond croissants are crowd favorites. For those wanting more sustenance, daily soup specials and sandwiches are always an excellent choice. The indoor seating has an array of large and small tables with a particularly large one accommodating happy locals who are willing to 
share with PBC. Other patrons choose smaller tables in dispersed locations for privacy and quiet. There’s a place inside for everyone. The outside picnic tables are typically the PBC favorites whenever possible. Even on larger group rides, everyone has a seat in the middle of engaging cyclist chatter. The outdoor seating is flanked by securable bike parking. On one side are stationary bike racks; on the other, located between the elevated edge of the concrete patio and parking lot trellis wall, is a trough that has space and added security. The super-clean restrooms in the adjacent public space are also a big hit with many riders. Grand Central Bakery – Mississippi is a welcome destination year-round because it provides everything PBC riders want. It’s not just another corporate fast-food restaurant; it’s a community gathering spot.
Richard Higgins, Member at Large