Business Details
9 Years
experience
Fresh Baked Goods & Caf Favorites in Ellington, CT
Founded in 2017, Luann's Bakery & Cafe Bakery & Cafe has become a cornerstone of the Ellington, CT community, offering handcrafted baked goods and meals rooted in family traditions. Our team begins baking as early as 1:00 a.m. to ensure every item is fresh for our customers. With three locations, including a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and partnerships with local businesses like Big Y and Oak Ridge Dairy, we combine quality ingredients with innovative daily specials. Our commitment to community is reflected in partnerships with organizations such as the Ellington Community Theatre and Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Over 30 team members work daily to deliver exceptional service, coffee, and made-from-scratch treats.We prioritize transparency, using recipes passed down through generations while embracing creativity in our kitchen. Our loyalty rewards program and online ordering through the Luann's Bakery & Cafe Bakery & Cafe App enhance convenience for returning customers. As we expand to Hartford, we remain dedicated to fostering local connections through initiatives like our monthly Donation Creation program. Our 24-hour production cycle and partnerships with 19 local businesses underscore our role as a community-driven enterprise. With decades of combined experience in food service and hospitality, we ensure every customer feels valued and connected.
Services
Baked Goods
Caf Meals
Gluten-Free Products
Online Ordering
Gift Cards
Loyalty Program
Take & Bake Meals
Homemade Soups
Catering Services
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We use family recipes passed down through generations for authentic flavors.
- Our dedicated gluten-free kitchen meets diverse dietary needs.
- We partner with 19+ local businesses to support the community.
- Daily production cycle ensures fresh products available by 8:00 a.m.
- Monthly Donation Creation program supports local charities.
What people say
Fresh baked goods
Gluten-free options
Community involvement
Family recipes
Loyalty program
Services
Baked Goods
Our artisanal baked goods use family recipes and high-quality ingredients for authentic flavors. Daily production ensures freshness, with options ranging from classic Wecka Swiss Bread to seasonal specialties. Gluten-free and vegan alternatives are available through our dedicated kitchen.
Caf Meals
Breakfast and lunch menus feature made-from-scratch meals served in our caf or via drive-thru. Hours run 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday, with rotating specials and coffee drinks. Local milk from Oak Ridge Dairy enhances our beverage offerings.
Gluten-Free Products
A dedicated gluten-free kitchen produces breads, desserts, and pizza crusts. Products are available at all locations, including retail frozen options. Weekly gluten-free fun cakes offer unique Friday-only flavors.
Online Ordering
The Luann's Bakery & Cafe Bakery & Cafe App enables pre-ordering for caf and drive-thru locations. Loyalty rewards include points for purchases and birthday discounts. Orders can be placed for pickup or delivery through partnered services.
Community Programs
Monthly Donation Creation drinks support local charities, with $1 per specialty drink going to causes like school arts programs. Regular donations include food pantry contributions and event sponsorships for community theaters and schools.
People
Josh Virkler
Bakery Owner
Josh Virkler returned to Ellington after starting a tea room in Illinois. He opened Luann's Bakery & Cafe Bakery & Cafe first brick-and-mortar location in 2017, expanding to three locations while maintaining quality and community focus.
Questions
Does Luann's Bakery & Cafe Bakery & Cafe offer gluten-free options?
Yes, we have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen producing breads, desserts, and pizza crusts available at all locations.
Can I order online?
Yes, use the Luann's Bakery & Cafe Bakery & Cafe App for pre-orders at café and drive-thru locations with loyalty rewards available.
What community initiatives do you support?
Monthly Donation Creation drinks support local charities, with regular donations to food pantries and school programs.
Are gift cards available?
Yes, physical and e-gift cards can be used at all Luann's Bakery & Cafe Bakery & Cafe locations for any purchase.
What are your holiday hours?
Cafés close on major holidays; drive-thru hours vary. Check our website for specific dates and times.
Do you cater events?
Yes, we offer catering with advance orders for baked goods, meals, and specialty items.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Marianne G.
Jan 15, 2022
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The muffins and cupcakes are delicious! Chocolate cupcakes are fabulous! The bakery is so convenient too in Big Y express plaza. I try to get a new flavor each time I go, never disappointed!
Jeffrey Spivey
Dec 04, 2021
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We wanted to say how awesome our Thanksgiving Meal was this year thanks to the food from LuAnn's. We ordered the family meal which stated it would serve 6 - 8 people. We ended up with 11 people due to my brother-in-law and his family surprising us by coming up from Maryland and there was PLENTY!!! I love leftovers and there was enough for more than 2 days of leftover yumminess!! I don't eat squash and it was probably one of my favorite dishes. Everything was just DELICIOUS! The cost was extremely reasonable for all the food we had and I am excited to be able to do this again next year!!! THANKS
Noah Vertefeuille
Oct 28, 2021
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If you weren't already aware of this place, then you were missing out. LuAnn's bakery is by far one of the best bakeries, breakfast spots, and coffee shops all-in-one. My wife and I tend to find ourselves there at least once a month if not more. I would highly recommend their cold brew and quiche combo and if you have a sweet tooth then pick up one of the monkey bread muffins. I am a little hesitant saying all this because I don't want it to become more a popular spot than it already is.
Ilene Heeber
Oct 24, 2021
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I just bought a lot of pies at the Farmers Market. Only tried Cherry crumb so far. Wow wow wow. This pie is worth every mile I must exercise 🤸♀️🤸♀️🤸♀️
