Great Harvest Bread Co. on Selby Avenue is a whole-grain bakery in St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood. It bakes loaves from Montana-grown wheat that, following the chain’s longtime practice, is milled into flour in-house. Locals come for a dense, hearty sandwich loaf, and health-conscious shoppers come for breads with short, recognizable ingredient lists.
Great Harvest began in 1976 in Great Falls, Montana, and each franchise bakery runs with considerable local independence, so menus vary by shop. Expect everyday staples such as honey whole wheat alongside Cinnamon Chip, the chain’s best-known loaf and a favorite for French toast. Muffins, scones and cookies round out the counter, and seasonal specialty breads rotate through the week. Many Great Harvest bakeries offer a free sample slice at the counter, which makes choosing a loaf easier for first-timers. The room smells of fresh bread, and staff can tell you what came out of the oven most recently.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Bread is baked fresh daily, and popular varieties can sell out by afternoon. Morning visits give the best selection. Call ahead or order in advance to reserve specialty loaves, especially before holidays. Confirm current hours directly with the bakery before you go, since schedules can change. The bakery sits close to the Cathedral of Saint Paul and Summit Avenue’s historic mansions, including the James J. Hill House. A loaf pickup fits easily into a neighborhood walking tour, and Metro Transit buses run along Selby Avenue.
