Levain Bakery is set to open its first Northern California location at San Jose’s Santana Row in summer 2027. This expansion brings the New York City-based bakery, known for its oversized, six-ounce cookies, directly to local residents. The Silicon Valley Business Journal reported this new development.
The bakery plans to take over part of the space previously occupied by the clothing store Chico’s at the upscale shopping center, according to the Silicon Valley Business Journal. A representative for Levain did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the upcoming San Jose outpost.
Levain Bakery’s offerings include its well-known chocolate chip-walnut cookies, alongside other flavors such as caramel coconut chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and dark chocolate with peanut butter chips. The brand has garnered significant attention, with its popularity amplified by social media videos featuring influencers making what some call a pilgrimage to its bakeries and showcasing the cookies.
Bakers Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes co-founded Levain in 1995, initially establishing it as a bread shop. The company website describes the origin of their famous cookie as a “happy accident.” Both triathletes, McDonald and Weekes baked a “massive chocolate chip walnut cookie to keep energy levels high for training.” This initial batch quickly sold out, leading to the cookie’s iconic status.
The San Jose location will mark a significant expansion for Levain Bakery into Northern California. Currently, the company operates more than 20 locations nationwide, with its existing four California outposts all situated in the Los Angeles area. The Santana Row opening will be the first outside of Southern California for the brand.
In addition to its current bakery operations, Levain once offered smaller frozen cookies in supermarkets across the country, including Whole Foods. However, the company discontinued this product line in 2022, citing rising costs as the reason.
Levain Bakery will join a growing array of food and beverage establishments at Santana Row. The shopping center has increasingly become a hub for restaurants in recent years, attracting various dining options. Another new addition, Flora, a California-inspired restaurant developed by local restaurateurs, is also expected to open at Santana Row soon.
