San Diego Bakers Opened New Brick-and-Mortar Store
Owners Alejandro Gomez and Alejandra Ruelas launched their first retail location on Mission Gorge Road.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Baking
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Alejandro Gomez and Alejandra Ruelas have opened Mi Pan Artisan Bakery at 6435 Mission Gorge Road in San Diego. The business marks a transition from their previous home-based operations and farmers' market sales.
Why it matters
The opening represents a significant scaling milestone for the owners, who began their professional baking journey in 2020. This move allows the team to expand production capacity beyond their initial home kitchen setup.
The bakery is located at 6435 Mission Gorge Road and operates daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the new storefront, the owners continue to serve customers at farmers' markets in Little Italy and Chula Vista.
The players
Alejandro Gomez
He is a professional baker who turned to the craft after leaving his previous job in 2020.
Alejandra Ruelas
She is the co-owner of the bakery and partners with Gomez in managing their retail and market operations.
The details
The menu features a variety of baked goods, including sourdough bread, almond croissants, and canelés. Following the grand opening, the shop plans to expand its offerings to include seasonal items like Pan de Muerto and Italian panettone.
Timeline
Alejandro Gomez started his baking career in 2020.
The grand opening of the shop is scheduled for October 7, 2026.
Pan de Muerto will be introduced in late October 2026.
Italian panettone cakes will debut during the 2026 holiday season.
Roadmap
This opening mirrors the successful trajectory of small-scale artisanal producers who scale operations from farmers' markets into permanent commercial spaces. It positions the bakery to capture local market share by establishing a consistent daily presence.
Residents in the Mission Gorge area can now purchase fresh sourdough and pastries daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who frequent local markets can continue to find the bakery at its established stands in Little Italy and Chula Vista.
The takeaway
Growing a business from a home kitchen to a retail storefront requires a careful balance of maintaining market presence while scaling production. Success in this shift often depends on meeting consistent demand while introducing seasonal variety to retain customer interest.
What happens next
The bakery will hold its official grand opening on October 7, 2026. Seasonal product launches for Pan de Muerto and Italian panettone are also scheduled for late October and the 2026 holiday season, respectively.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culinary scene in our Baking section.
More information
Find menu updates and operational details on the Mi Pan Artisan Bakery official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times of San Diego.
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