Leadbetter's English Muffins Hold 79 Years of Family History in the Nooks and Crannies

T. Palmer

​Leadbetter's Bake Shop is barely two months old, and has already persuaded at least 11 local markets to stock its English muffins. SFoodie figured out why; they're the best we've ever tried, hands down. Fluffiness aplenty, nooks and crannies for days, these gargantuan muffins are equally receptive to sweet and savory toppings.

The company also has a cute story, as it turns out. Founder Jamieson Leadbetter is a fourth-generation descendent of Nancy Leadbetter, who opened Leadbetter's Bakery in Portland, Maine, in 1931. Jamieson worked there during his summer breaks while in school, moved to San Francisco 10 years ago for a completely unrelated career path, swerved back into the field via California Culinary Academy's Baking and Pastry Arts program, and now carries on the family legacy way out west.