Laguna Beach to see a New Bakery In Downtown Mall; Rye Goods approved by the Planning Commission

The specialty bread bakery and deli will offer beer and natural wine along with a host of baked goods

Downtown Laguna Beach will soon have a specialty bakery, Rye Goods, following recent approval from the city’s Planning Commission. On Sept. 21 the majority vote of the commission confirmed the Conditional Use Permit for the service of natural wine and beer at the deli / bakery.

The 1,100 sq-foot space within the Lumber Yard Mall in Downtown Laguna will offer menu items made with freshly milled flour, locally sourced produce and 100% organic ingredients. The deli will serve soups, salads, pastas and baguette sandwiches while the bakery offers sourdough breads, pastries and a wide array of croissants.

The Planning Commission was enthusiastic, noting that the business was compatible with many of the city’s stated General Plan policies, including maintaining the village character of Laguna and not negatively impacting traffic. It would provide “a quality food addition to our Downtown,” and “a unique offering…different from anything else in town.”

Jason House, spokesperson for Rye Goods at the Planning Commission meeting stated, “We’re excited to join the community and bring our sourdough bread and pastries to the neighborhood.”

Rye Goods started around 2017 and has sold products to cafes and restaurants. Their first physical location in Newport Beach opened during the pandemic offering an organic sourdough product that can’t be found elsewhere. The ground-level storefront at the Lumber Yard Mall was previously the location for The Grove on Forest coffee shop which did not survive the economic effects of the pandemic.