Bernal Basket: How a Pandemic-Era Bread Stand Became a Beloved Neighborhood Bakery

When Covid lockdowns swept through San Francisco, many sought ways to cope, but for Ryan Stagg, owner of Bernal Basket, baking bread wasn’t just a pastime; it became the beginning of a calling. What began as a simple effort to stay busy during the early days of the pandemic quickly became a story of adaptation and strong community in Bernal Heights.

Faced with job shifts and an uncompromising landlord, Ryan and his partner decided to turn rustic loaves into a business. They first started with door-to-door bread sales, but that soon proved risky as the pandemic’s seriousness escalated. That led them to pivot to the invention of a unique “drop crane” delivery system to get their customers bread from Ryan’s stoop. First built from wood, then improved thanks to the generosity of mechanically savvy neighbors, the contraption allowed for socially distant sales and gave the business its quirky, local charm. 

Their café, Bernal Basket, now offers not just baked goods but an expanded menu that focuses on Ryan’s chef background, such as savory pastries, sandwiches, and daily specials like Roman-style pizzas setting it apart from typical bakeries. As the business expanded, so did its ambitions. Ryan recently brought on a new partner, another skilled neighbor also named Ryan, and the team is pouring their own sweat and time into building a 10,000-square-foot warehouse. 

Despite running a brick-and-mortar café and a bustling wholesale operation, the business keeps its focus local. Regulars who supported Bernal Basket from day one still visit, fostering a sense of real community and neighborhood pride. As we interviewed Ryan, he waved and greeted customers he has known for years and children who have grown alongside the business. 

"I don't know if I would be here if I tried this business model in a different neighborhood. I think Bernal is a very quirky, welcoming, connected group of people, and they were very willing to support me and put me in a lot of positions to succeed without even asking for it." says Ryan.

Looking to the future, Bernal Basket has big plans: the completion of its new warehouse and entry into farmers' markets. Through it all, Ryan credits the unique support from his neighborhood and community.