About Us
Who We Are
Metropolis Baking Company has been handmaking fresh bread daily for 20 years. Diane Dexter, her husband, David Arathorn, and her brother, Perry Dexter, opened its doors in 1989. The bakery began with a solid background of expertise and experience in both baking and restaurant management.
Diane, the creative force behind the bakery, is a professional baker and pastry chef who has worked at restaurants including Chez Panisse and Square One. She also advised Carol Field on the seminal book The Italian Baker. Raised in Kansas (the Wheat State), with farm family backgrounds, they have a heritage and appreciation for the land and the bounty it produces.
Over the past 20 years, Metropolis Baking Company has established itself as a trusted mainstay throughout the bay area. The bakery prides itself on its commitment to maintaining traditional artisan methods. The skilled bakers continue to mix and shape each loaf by hand, using the finest ingredients available.
Since 2003, Head Baker Robin Alexander has reworked and honed Diane's original recipes. Drawing on his 24 years of experience with the most respected artisan bakeries around the country, Robin maintains exceptionally high standards of quality and craftsmanship. He continues to develop new recipes of his own, such as the much heralded New York Style Rye.
In December of 2009, Robin Alexander and General Manager, Joe Devoto, took over the bakery from previous owner and president, Perry Dexter. Together, they look forward to continuing to produce the exceptional breads that Metropolis has long been known for.
In combining their talents, experience and commitment, Robin and Joe look forward to bringing improvements and elevating the bakery to its highest potential and delivering the best product to their customers.
The Management Team
Robin Alexander Robin has been a professional baker for 24 years and started his career at Chez Panisse. His experience as a baker includes Acme, SemiFreddi's, Bay Breads and Amy's Breads in New York. At Metropolis he heads production and maintains exceptionally high standards of quality and craftsmanship. |
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Joe Devoto Joe joined Metropolis Baking Co. in April 2007. He brings a solid background in business operations and management. Among his many responsibilities, Joe manages front of house operations and leads the company’s administration and distribution departments. He continues to uphold Metropolis’ tradition of excellent customer service. |
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