Mayor Wu and Boston Parks and Recreation Department Cut Ribbon at Flour Bakery on Boston Common

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~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, along with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, renowned pastry chef Joanne Chang, and members of the community, gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of Flour Bakery + Café's newest location in the Boston Common Concession Pavilion. This highly anticipated addition to the iconic park was selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process in 2024, with Flour Bakery standing out for its commitment to providing high-quality food service, community-centered design, and local ownership.

In her remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Wu expressed her excitement for Flour Bakery's arrival in the heart of Boston's historic community space. "Flour Bakery brings community and deliciousness to Boston Common with new treats and classic favorites, helping to build excitement and activation downtown," she said. "I am thrilled to welcome this beloved local business to one of Boston's most iconic parks just in time for summer."

Led by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and co-owner Joanne Chang, Flour Bakery is a minority- and women-owned small business that first opened its doors in the South End in 2000. The Boston Common location marks their 10th bakery in the Boston area, providing a unique opportunity to serve both longtime fans and first-time visitors alike. The new space had a soft opening on April 15th and offers special pastries created specifically for this location, including soft serve ice cream and their signature Embrace Sticky Bun.

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Chang shared her excitement about this milestone for Flour Bakery. "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," she said. "What makes Flour special is truly our wonderful Boston community. Our team is thrilled and honored to welcome everyone who visits Flour Boston Common in this historic park."

The selection of Flour Bakery aligns with Mayor Wu's efforts to revitalize Downtown Boston, which includes enhancing public spaces, supporting local businesses, and improving amenities for residents, workers, and tourists. The reactivation of the Boston Common Concession Pavilion is a crucial component of the Boston Common Master Plan, which aims to improve park-to-city connections, strengthen the park's sense of place, and create a more vibrant and inclusive space.

Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett also spoke about the significance of Flour Bakery's arrival on the Common. "Flour Bakery's presence on Boston Common reflects our vision for parks that are vibrant, inclusive, and climate-resilient spaces at the heart of our communities," he said. "We are 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."

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Flour Bakery joins a growing lineup of seasonal activations on the Common, including the UnCommon Stage and Beer Garden in partnership with Emerson College. This popular event brings food, beverages, and live music to the park. Additionally, the City is working with community partners to activate all corners of the Common in line with the goals of the Boston Common Master Plan.

State Representative Jay Livingstone expressed his excitement for Flour Bakery's opening on Boston Common. "I am thrilled to welcome Flour Bakery to this historic park," he said. "I look forward to seeing how this beloved local business continues to flourish at their new location and how we can benefit from re-activating this space."

City Councilor Sharon Durkan also shared her enthusiasm for Flour Bakery's arrival in her district. "Flour Bakery's opening at Boston Common is not just a milestone for our City but a celebration of our nation's oldest park," she said. "Joanne Chang's leadership has helped shape Boston's food scene and economic vibrancy by creating spaces that nourish not just with food but with love and community. We are thrilled to welcome Flour Bakery + Cafe's 10th location and look forward to all the sweet memories that will be made here."

Leslie Singleton Adam, Board Chair of the Friends of the Public Garden, also spoke about the significance of Flour Bakery's presence on Boston Common. "Flour's arrival brings new energy to the park and reflects the power of public-private partnerships to reimagine what's possible in our parks," she said. "We are thrilled to welcome this beloved local business into this historic space and see Boston Common continue to evolve as a vibrant, welcoming destination for all."

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