Ellwood City Hungry for More
When you think about Ellwood City businesses, who comes to mind first? Do you think about all the recent additions to Lawrence Avenue: The Sweet Shop, Venezie Sporting Goods, Sweet Carolines? Or do you think of the heavy hitters like the Forge, Eric Ryan Corp, McElwains? Maybe your thoughts immediately go to some of Ellwood City’s staples: Posies by Patti, The Color Center, Market on Main? Or maybe, just maybe, your first thought surrounds food (we know most of our thoughts surround food)… What is the first restaurant that comes to mind? Red Hots, Vinny’s, Venezias, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ? How about Breaking Bread Co.? Yassss, we have all fallen in love with Breaking Bread!
Simple Beginnings
A few of Breaking Bread’s mouth-watering creations
What is now a popular go-to restaurant used to be a series of experiments in the laboratory/kitchen of owners/Ellwood City sweethearts, Sam and Justin Kelly. They fondly recall testing family breakfasts and mastering their own creations. This, coupled with the attractiveness of Justin becoming his own boss, led to the beginning of Breaking Bread Co., which has grown to a 13-15 person team since their “love child” (Breaking Bread) was born on June 16, 2014.
Even though a 52 seat diner with an open kitchen may sound small, they are serving some big menu items, and by that we mean their portion sizes are sure to leave you smiling. This small town gem is already host to countless memories and meals on main-street, and people can’t seem to get enough of them; the restaurant has quickly become a beloved staple in our growing community. Stop in this weekend, and you are sure to catch a glimpse of what has everyone still buzzing. Be sure to follow their Facebook page, as they are always showcasing their newest mouthwatering menu items.
When asked what they love most about owning their own business, there was no hesitation…
“The people. I love our customers! The regulars and the first timers. They are what keeps us going; keeps us motivated to serve up good food and great stories. We have met so many friends and inspirational people. We have truly been blessed in so many ways.” – Sam, Owner
Sam and Justin Kelly (pictured right) with their crew as their Saturday morning crowd starts rolling in
You Don’t Say?!
Just when you think you couldn’t love Breaking Bread any more, we found a few more reasons to add to the list. First, we can think of the diner as a big Christmas present to Lawrence Avenue, as the business was bought off of Mary Fray, a caring and hard working fellow entrepreneur, on Dec. 24th! It’s always Christmas in your mouth with their food, so it was definitely fitting that the sale happened when it did! Secondly, Sam and Justin’s dreams almost became a reality in a different town; Breaking Bread was close to calling Zelienople home as an Italian eatery. However, the current space seemed too unique and perfect to pass up, given its charm and incredible location on the Lawrence Avenue strip; Ellwood City is particularly glad about this decision! Last, nothing says genuine and authentic than the foundation of the restaurant; the couple remodeled the entire diner from top to bottom themselves!
Good Things to Come
The open-kitchen, old school diner set up is a favorite of Breaking Bread visitors.
Warmer weather is not the only thing just around the corner; while the Spring and Summer seasons will soon breathe new life into Ellwood City, it is only appropriate to mention a whole new level of excitement to hit in the coming months – an extension of Breaking Bread! Coming this Spring/Early Summer, Breaking Bread will have a nearby location (also previously owned by Mary Fray) designated for dinner and drinks!
Breaking Bread Co. continues to bring the people of Ellwood City together every day, and there is no doubt the dedication, hard work, and passion will be here for years to come. They try and use local resources as often as possible and Signs By Sam had the awesome opportunity to work with Breaking Bread Co., creating and installing their exterior main ID signage. They also use Venezie Sporting Goods & Apparel for all of their staff T-shirts, and The Color Center is their proud print provider. We are thankful that these two entrepreneurs are advocates of supporting local, and most notably, they really know how to give Ellwood City a taste of the good life; we are so glad to call you ours.
Breaking Bread Co.
530 Lawrence Avenue
Ellwood City, PA 16117
(724) 758-8888
Email: breakingbreadcompany@gmail.com
Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tues – Sat: 7am – 3pm
Sun: 7am – 2pm
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~Good food brings people together and nourishes the soul.~
Like them on Facebook: @BreakingBreadCo
Check out their menu here.
