The year was 1995. The crystal clear Truckee River flowed alongside the historic mountain town of Truckee, California. Hidden among the tall Pine trees of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a handsome man stood in the kitchen of his family’s Deli, his beautiful wife by his side. The duo’s goal: create a locally made bread with amazing texture and flavor. Their three children waited excitedly for their first taste of what would soon become a Truckee/Tahoe staple. With baited breath, Keith Nikkel opened the oven door and pulled out the first ever Truckee Sourdough Loaf. His own personal recipe combined with natural yeast from the crisp mountain air created a bread so good it had to be shared.
People came from far and wide to taste that which would soon be known as “Truckee Sourdough.” Ponderosa Deli could no longer contain its creation; the first outlets were farmers markets, nearby restaurants, and grocery stores. As the artisan bread gained popularity, product began to overflow into local diners and upscale restaurants, delighted to elevate the quality of their cuisine through the use of Truckee Sourdough. Winning over hearts (and taste buds!), loyal fans of the unique mountain bread developed across the country.
Truckee Sourdough was originally sold out of the Ponderosa Deli, but in 1996 the local supermarkets persuaded the deli owner to start delivering to their stores. Bread baking was turning into a full-time job. It was not long after that word spread about this unique mountain town artisan product, and as more and more grocery stores made requests to carry the product, the more the focus shifted from the deli.
As the number of retail outlets grew, so did the retail line. Expanding from sour baguettes into hearty flavors such as kalamata ciabatta and multi-grain batard. With the retail business growing organically at incredible rates, restaurants were next to jump on-board. What started with artisan table breads, soon developed into chefs demanding full wholesale lines from the small bakery. Today Truckee Sourdough Company bakes daily, only taking off Thanksgiving and Christmas, as a supplier of retail stores, restaurant wholesales and third-party labeling for leading national chains.
Although Truckee Sourdough outgrew the deli, they have remained headquartered in Truckee, CA with the current bakery situated only a stones throw away from the original Ponderosa Deli. The incredible team continues to deliver everyday through rain, snow or shine, making sure customers wake up to the smell of delicious, freshly baked bread.
