La Farm Bakery – helmed by Master Baker Lionel Vatinet and Missy Vatinet – first opened in Cary, NC in 1999; today the Vatinet’s announce their fourth bakery, opening in Raleigh-Durham International Airport in late 2020. The full-service bakery and café is expected to open in the winter of 2020 downstairs near the escalators. “We are thrilled to support RDU as they seek to showcase the heart and soul of the Raleigh-Durham area in our thriving airport,” explained Missy Vatinet. La Farm Bakery – named among the “10 Best Artisanal Bakeries in North America” by USA Today – is poised to welcome travelers to the area and residents returning home with warm breads – made from local grain – baked throughout the day. Lionel added, “Now, it will be easier than ever for travelers to take a taste of the South with them when they depart.”
La Farm Bakery is committed to celebrating healthy grain grown locally and expertly handcrafted into breads by their team of bakers. “Opening in RDU provides us another opportunity to celebrate the artisan baker and sing the praises of the farmers, millers, scientists who have made high-quality European breads possible in the South,” explained Missy. As with all La Farm Bakery locations, this retail location will feature a steam-injection MiWi hearth oven for baking breads on-site throughout the day, enabling the art and science of bread baking to be on view to guests both inside and outside of the bakery. Other design features in this 18,000 square foot retail space include a signature grain silo, representing the importance of grain in our agricultural community. La Farm Bakery has partnered with the international MERA Corporation and Metropolitan Culinary Services on this unique location. In addition to La Farm’s full line of artisan breads, pastries, to-go items, Counter Culture Coffee program, and extensive café menu, La Farm Bakery will also introduce their first full-service bar, to showcase even more local flavors in spirits, beer and wine. Vatinet’s team of bakers also have plans to introduce items exclusive to this location, created with the traveler in mind.
Until this new location opens, La Farm Bakery will be featured in a patio setting at the Marketplace in Terminal 2 beginning in May, with a pop-up bakery. Look for a limited selection of artisan breads, pastries, a full coffee program and to-go items including sandwiches and salads. And of course, all the La Farm boules and White Chocolate Mini Baguettes you wish to take with you on your next adventure!
