Famed St. Louis bakery, Companion, celebrates their 20th anniversary by launching their limited edition Pretzel Croissant nationwide. This new offering is the innovation of owner, Josh Allen, who created these by sending Companion’s all-butter French Croissants through their pretzel bath (giving the croissant the rich mahogany pretzel coloring and flavor) and topping them with crunchy bits of pearl sugar.
Companion is no stranger to all things pretzel, producing over 20,000 pounds of pretzels per week which are sold through their wholesale division and in their two cafes. Their pretzels take a variety of forms from traditional Bavarian pretzels, to pretzel buns, and pretzel rolls and have quickly become their signature items and best sellers. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, Allen knew he wanted to create something that played on the success of their pretzels but with a fun twist.
“We’re always playing around in the bakeshop and have wanted to see how we could push our pretzel success in a new and different direction” said Allen. “I’ve certainly seen others folks across the country dipping Croissants in caustic soda but they’ve all taken the savory route with either sesame seeds or salt.”
What makes Companion’s 20th Anniversary Pretzel Croissant unique is its foundation and its sweetness. Says Allen, “The foundation is really, really important. We make a terrific all-butter Croissant which serves as our base. Also the addition of the crunchy pearl sugar to mimic the look of traditional pretzel salt, gives our Pretzel Croissants an addictive sweetness and wonderful texture.”
Customers agree. A little bit salty, a little bit sweet, but full of flavor, the 20th Anniversary Pretzel Croissants have been flying off shelves in St. Louis since its local debut in April. Sold directly through Companion’s three retail locations, the pretzel croissant is available on Fridays and Saturdays only. Even with this limited distribution, Companion is producing upwards of 50 dozen pretzel croissants per weekend but due to the high demand, production will soon be increased.
Starting in July, based on the initial local success, Companion is proud to offer their 20th Anniversary Pretzel Croissant nationwide for $40/dozen plus shipping. Orders can be placed by calling 314.352.4770 and all orders will be fulfilled and shipped on Thursdays for Friday delivery.
Companion is also celebrating their 20th anniversary with the Bread Revolution campaign. The campaign includes print ads, social media outreach and new company artwork, now featuring slogans such as “Vive le bread!” and “Make bread, not war.”
The campaign is running throughout the year in St. Louis and features prominent St. Louis personalities who appreciate excellence, like great bread from Companion. Participants include St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, Bravo’s Andy Cohen, the St. Louis Symphony, St. Louis Cardinals’ Pitcher Chris Carpenter, and James Beard nominee Chef Gerard Craft, among others. “To me,” Allen said, “it’s a celebration of a little company that takes a lot of water and salt and yeast and is still around 20 years later.”
About Companion
Self-taught on a stone French bakers’ oven, Josh Allen started Companion in 1993 at the age of 24 with a clear vision: create wholesome and delicious European breads with simple ingredients. 20 years later, Companion, has stayed true to its sustainable business model by focusing on what Allen refers to as the 4C’s – companions, customers, community, and company.
At Companion, every loaf is hand-made and baked from the finest all natural ingredients. They have two cafes located in some of St. Louis’ trendiest neighborhoods and they also host a pop up bakeshop, the Early Bird Outlet, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings in their factory. The Early Bird Outlet offers all of their freshly baked breads and sweets for up to 35% off retail.
Companion’s wholesale offerings provide their award-winning fresh goods to every corner of the city, partnering with over 100 local restaurants and 30 local grocery stores. Companion bread is served in St. Louis’ elite restaurants featuring the area’s most prestigious chefs including: Chef Patrick Connolly (Basso – James Beard Award Winner), Chef Gerard Craft (Niche, Brasserie, Taste, Pastaria – 2013 James Beard Finalist), Chef Kevin Nashan (Sidney Street Café – 2013 James Beard Finalist), Chef Nick Martinkovic (Central Table Food Hall – last worked at Roberta’s in Brooklyn), Chef Steve Gontram (5 Star Burger, recently featured on Eater), and many more.
Widely recognized in the media, Companion was awarded the Industry Leadership Award by Modern Baking Magazine and was recognized by USA Today as one of the “10 Great Places for Artisan Bread” in the US. Companion has also won St. Louis’ foodie publication, Sauce Magazine’s, Reader’s Choice Award for Favorite Bakery consecutively since 2003 and St. Louis’ The Riverfront Times has named Companion the “Best Bagels in St. Louis.”
Locations and More Information: www.companionstl.com
Source: Companion