This Fall, Rittenhouse Square is about to get a whole lot sweeter! New York’s famous bakery, Levain Bakery, home of “the world’s best cookie“, opened its first store in Philadelphia. Located at 1518 Walnut Street, the 3200-square-foot retail bakery and production space, marks not only the brand’s first Philadelphia footprint, but also its 15th location nationwide.
About Levain Bakery
Indeed Philly is in for a sweet treat! A famous New York staple is heading to The City of Brotherly Love.
Founded in 1995 by Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, Levain Bakery began as a small bread shop on the Upper West Side of NYC. Together Weekes and McDonald took time off from their robust fitness regimes and triathlon training to concoct the ultimate post-race treat.
Using simple high-quality ingredients the pair created a mammoth 6-ounce cookie. After finalizing the recipe, they quietly offered the cookies for sale.
In a life-changing turn of events, the cookies flew off of shelves.
Nearly 29 years later, Levain is often lauded as the home of the world’s best cookie.
Today, the brand has amassed a cult-like following that has grown out of their NYC flagship across cities like Chicago, DC and LA.
Welcome to Philly
Weekes and McDonald view Levain’s expansion to Philadelphia as a natural next step for the brand. The pair have not only a lifelong love of Philadelphia, but also its world-class restaurant scene.
The brand’s retail expansion has been thoughtful and choiceful; carefully seeking out neighborhoods and communities that feel special and intentional.
Subsequently, the decision was further inspired by the Levain Bakery team members that originate from Philadelphia, and the many beloved guests who have traveled from Philadelphia to experience a Levain Bakery in other cities over the years.
Levain Rittenhouse will offer their beloved crispy-outside, ooey-gooey-inside cookies in the brand’s six classic flavors:
- Chocolate Chip Walnut (also available as GF & Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut)
- Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip
- Oatmeal Raisin
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip
- Two Chip Chocolate Chip
- Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip
In addition to these six flavors, guests can expect seasonally rotating offerings. All cookies, breads and pastries are baked fresh on-site daily.
Additionally, once opened, Levain will offer local pick-up and delivery with hours to be announced.
The grand opening was Friday October 11th, 2024 beginning at 8am with a festive ribbon-cutting and swag bags for the first 100 customers.
Lastly, if you’re like us and can’t wait, Levain also ships nationwide via https://levainbakery.com/.