Matilda's Bakery Opened at Santa Monica Airport

A new bakery has launched in a restored 1940s building at the Santa Monica Airport.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Baking

Artisanal croissants on a wooden counter inside an airy, historic hangar building with large windows and natural morning light. — Matilda's Bakery has opened at the Santa Monica Airport, occupying a renovated 1940s-era building and attracting significant crowds since its October debut. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is a 45-minute wait time ever worth it for a local bakery visit?

Matilda's bakery has opened its doors at the Santa Monica Airport, occupying a restored 1940s structure. The new shop has quickly become a local draw, with customers reporting wait times of up to 45 minutes for service.

Why it matters

The bakery serves as a high-profile addition to the Santa Monica Airport site, where it has seen rapid popularity since its launch in early October.

The shop moves 3,000 pastries weekly and offers eight distinct butter styles. The facility spans 1,800 square feet indoors with a 1,000 square foot outdoor terrace.

The players

Sean Martin

He is the individual who took over the historic airport building in 2022 before its transformation into the current bakery.

The details

Operating Wednesday through Sunday, the bakery utilizes an intensive process that involves slow-fermenting dough for at least 18 hours. The production of its signature croissants requires a four-day cycle.

Sean Martin took over the building in 2022.
Matilda's bakery opened in early October 2026.
The shop issued an Instagram apology on October 12, 2026.

Culture Shift

The bakery follows a pattern of local commercial development that repurposes historic airport facilities for public use. This trend mirrors the broader movement toward adaptive reuse of mid-century infrastructure for modern hospitality spaces.

Residents and visitors should expect to allocate significant time for their visits due to the current 45-minute wait for service. Planning a visit on weekdays may provide a more efficient experience compared to weekend hours.

The takeaway

The popularity of the bakery suggests a strong local appetite for time-intensive, artisanal baked goods. Customers can best manage their expectations by visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the extended wait times.