Great Harvest Bread Company is a business that I write about with some reluctance. I love them so much, that I am afraid if word gets out about them, I won't be able to get near the place. They... More

Great Harvest Bread Company is a business that I write about with some reluctance. I love them so much, that I am afraid if word gets out about them, I won't be able to get near the place. They are a business that represents themselves well. They bake a darned good loaf of bread and take care of their customers. It is a simple thing and their breads are one of my simple pleasures. They bake a variety of bread, but some of my favorites are Honey Whole Wheat, Brownie Bread and Chocolate Babka. The Cinnamon Swirl is always a delectable choice as well. I go weekly and make my purchases. One loaf of the Honey Whole Wheat lasts about a week. They have a calendar that they give out to patrons that shows the breads that will be made each month, and which breads will be available on specific days. I keep it on the fridge and scheme which bread will be coming home with me each week. The calendars aren't the only things that they give out. When you walk into the bakery you're cheerfully greeted and asked if you would like to try a free sample of their fresh bread. Imagine the surprise on a first timer's face when they are handed an entire slice of bread! I am not exaggerating on this, they cut a full slice for you to sample. Prices are average for a large loaf of bakery fresh bread. About $4.00 for sandwich breads and slightly more for dessert type breads. It is worth every penny when you try that first slice (on them). They also give back to the community with charitable contributions earned from their "Baker for a Day" program. Which shows that they not only care about the bread they bake, but the people who will eat it.
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Great Harvest Bread Company -- Burlington, Vermont Chittenden County is blessed with several outstanding bakeries that carry high quality goods and provide impeccable service, but Great Harvest... More

Great Harvest Bread Company -- Burlington, Vermont Chittenden County is blessed with several outstanding bakeries that carry high quality goods and provide impeccable service, but Great Harvest rises above them all. I have never ever been in a bakery that provides customers with a sample the size of a an outstretched palm. No sooner are you through the door than someone is cutting you (usually right out of the oven) a handful-size hunk of bread. For the health-conscious, all their bread is made from whole grains. Reading the ingredients you won't find anything that sounds like it was created in a laboratory. Besides the complimentary slice (always go for the cinnamon or the chocolate Babka!), Great Harvest doesn't give their bread away. Prices are at a premium, but you definitely pay for what you get. After eating bread that is made from the finest ingredients, by hand no more than a few feet from where you stand, you will "wonder" how you ever lived without Great Harvest.
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