Sophie Jeffery, a local Helotes baker, is proving that a blend of flour, water, and salt can lead to booming business and community acclaim. Beginning as a home-based operation during a desperate time, Jeffery's Spread The Loaves has become the toast of Old Town, Helotes for its artisanal sourdough and a variety of bread-based goods.

Jeffery, whose passion for baking ignited during the treacherous winter storm of 2021, initially learned the craft from a baking book, according to reporting from KENS 5. However, what began as a means to feed friends and family amid grocery shortages, quickly rose to become a breadwinning pursuit."[I got started] after that winter storm in 2021. I baked a lot of bread for friends and family who were having trouble finding groceries and I really realized I liked making bread in bulk. I just went with it! I was looking for a career at the time and just decided to jump for it." Jeffery told KENS 5 

Spread The Loaves, nestled at 14743 Old Bandera Road, beckons locals and visitors alike from Wednesday to Sunday, offering a peak into Jeffery's craft. Each loaf goes through a meticulous process taught by a book, including scoring and steam tray hydration, ensuring the perfect crust after an hour in the heat. Besides the signature sourdough, the bakery also serves up focaccia bread, which KENS 5 described as "TASTY!," along with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls and cookies for those with a sweeter palette.

But Jeffery's ambitions didn't just stop at preheating ovens and kneading dough. As MySA reports, hosting a soft opening on February 24 was another milestone, four years after setting a New Year's resolution to learn bread baking. She has since expanded her repertoire beyond sourdough, mastering scones, brioche pastries, challah, and more. Desiring to create a homely atmosphere that would make Spread The Loaves a staple in the community, she once fantasized about owning a business. Now the fantasy has flourished into a haven for carb lovers, "I always fantasized about owning a business in Old Town Helotes," Jeffery admitted to MySA, with her bakery now a living embodiment of her dream, where the simple fusion of flour, water, and Jeffery's devotion feeds both bellies and souls.

For more details on their mouthwatering offerings or to plan your next visit to this delectably down-to-earth bakery, you can follow the bread crumbs to the MySA article or check out the first-hand raving review by KENS 5.