In honor of Black History Month, we’re excited to spotlight Hush Harbor Artisan Bakery & Café, a beloved staple in Atascadero that’s been bringing delicious, handcrafted bread and baked goods to the Central Coast for over two decades. Founded by Donnie Monroe and Penni Monroe, this Black-owned bakery has become a true gem for locals and visitors alike.

Donnie Monroe, with a background in aerospace, discovered his passion for European-style bread later in life. After years in the aerospace industry, he shifted gears and pursued his dream of opening a bakery. He attended the San Francisco Baking Institute and honed his skills working at Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro in Riverside before launching Hush Harbor in 2003.

Penni Monroe passed away in 2021, but her impact on the community remains. Their family faced challenges as one of the only Black-owned businesses in Atascadero, but the support from loyal customers and the local community helped them persevere, especially during difficult times such as the pandemic and social unrest.

Hush Harbor is named after the secret “hush harbors,” where enslaved African Americans gathered in private to practice their faith and build community, free from the oversight of enslavers.

The bakery specializes in artisanal bread, made from scratch pastries and other comforting meals. Every loaf is crafted by hand, with no machines or automation, but simply years of expertise and patience. The Monroes’ commitment to quality is clear, and their customers rave about the textures, flavors and beauty of their baked goods. Some of the most popular items include the morning glory muffins, chocolate chip cookies and the seasonal sweet potato pies, all made with fresh ingredients and prepared daily.

Support Hush Harbor by stopping by for breakfast, lunch or a freshly baked loaf. Visit them at 5735 El Camino Real in Atascadero.