Mel Darbyshire

Mel has been baking for over 22 years. She focuses on working with local farms and mills to bring regional grains and artisan practices to high volume baking, and to support a sustainable local economy. As Head Baker at Grand Central Baking Company, she oversees the bakery production operations including all recipe development, education, and training at both the Washington and Oregon production facilities. Mel has been involved in teaching classes for the BBGA, and at the WSU Bread Lab over the years. Grand Central Baking Company is locally owned and operated and has been baking artisan bread and pastries since 1989, with a mission to serve delicious, authentic food made from high-quality local and sustainable ingredients, while growing a healthy, values-driven business.