Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop

Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, artisan bakery in Anchorage

Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop is a small artisan bakery based in Anchorage, Alaska. It began operating in 2009 in the South Addition neighborhood, one of the oldest in downtown, and in the fall of 2015 it opened a second location in the Airport Heights neighborhood, south of Merrill Field. The company presents itself as a family business and operates several locations in the city.

Bakery and pastry products

The product line includes traditional crusty breads, sweet and savory croissants, scones, hearty muffins, freshly baked cookies, tarts, frosted cakes, multi-grain granola, a variety of daily sandwiches, and seasonal specialties. The bakery also makes organic, fair-trade coffee and tea. According to its own description, everything is handmade: the team arrives in the early hours to bake small batches of croissants, breads, muffins, and scones, cracks the eggs, zests the fruit, and feeds the sourdough. The flour used is organic and is specifically selected and milled for artisan baking.

Origins and family history

The business was founded by the married couple Janis Fleischman and Jerry Lewanski in the spring of 2009. Jerry began baking as a hobby and, after retiring as Alaska's Director of State Parks, trained at the San Francisco Baking Institute. Janis shared his interest in good food, and together they toured the country studying bakeries. The first baker was Greta Lewanski, the founders' daughter, who worked alongside her parents in the first season. Rachel Pennington, the younger daughter, joined in 2010, first at the counter and later as a baker; after ten years working and investing in the business she became a partner and currently serves as managing partner and owner. Her husband, Mack Pennington, contributes to the bakery's operations and project development. The company has two general managers, Erica Merrill and Harrison Scheib, who together have 18 years of experience at Fire Island and lead a team of 80 people.

Recognition and local focus

The bakery was selected as a finalist in the Outstanding Bakery category at the 2026 James Beard Awards, according to its own website. The company states its intention to continue making sourdough, cookies, and pastries and to incorporate local and organic products, such as dairy, eggs, and proteins, as well as to collaborate with local suppliers from Alaska and beyond. It presents itself as a community gathering place for residents and visitors.

Guarantee and terms of service

Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop offers a satisfaction guarantee: if the customer is not satisfied with the products, service, or a special order, they can let the company know and it commits to making it right, with no need for proof or return and with no time limit. The website states that it does not offer online ordering or accept special orders.

Locations

K Street Market location - Downtown: Hours: wed-sun 7am-4pm

Airport Heights location: Hours: wed-sun 7am-4pm

Little Sister Espresso location: Hours: 7 days a week 7am-4pm