Great Harvest Bread in Stow

On December 13 & 14, we were the first groups to ever tour the Great Harvest Bread in Stow during the month of December. They called us their "holiday tours." December is a busy month for the bakery, so taking some time out for us was a special privilege.

The store owner, Baker Rick, led the children around through the rooms in the back of the store, sharing fun anecdotes, asking questions, and being generally entertaining while educating us about baking natural, healthy breads as well as what it is like to open a small business. He was very encouraging to the children about following their dreams and finding their own ways to do things, like not taking no for an answer when you really want to do something great.

He showed us how to mill flour, how to mix dough and how to bake, explaining all of the equipment used along the way. I didn't know until the tour that Great Harvest actually mills their own flour. Although it is a small facility, there is a lot harbored there in that small space.

Baker Rick finished the tour with a fun, fairy tale type story about a fictional kingdom that the children enjoyed while sitting gathered around him on the floor. They were then treated to a slice of white bread that he told them was much more nutritious than the white bread at most stores. Personally, I love the wheat bread at Great Harvest, which I know without being told is very nutritious.

The tour was free, which was very nice, especially considering the time of year and the personal attention we received. I would definitely recommend it, along with a trip to Great Harvest just for the delicious and unusual breads they make. It's on the corner of Fishcreek and Graham Roads in Stow, Summit County.