Lantmännen Unibake may have a European name, but Richard Ellman, chef at the Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay, buys his bread from the company because it’s made nearby. “The bread is made locally–in St. Petersburg,” he says, and adds that the company has been good for the area. “In the last few years, Lantmännen built a new plant in an area the city calls a ‘challenge zone’ and has hired local workers,” Ellman says.
Of course, he appreciates the quality of the bread itself. “I’d put a lot of other breads up against Lantmännen’s,” says Ellman. Their Euro-Bake line of par-baked breads includes baguettes, artisan sandwich breads, and dinner rolls, along with rounds and ovals, available individually or in variety packs. “They have a fantastic muesli bread,” Ellman adds, “and the Bavarian pretzel bread is just perfect for a piece of ham.” He cites the size of the ciabatta loaf as just what he needs for sandwiches. He also likes the banquet rolls and considers them a good value at just pennies per roll.
It’s also easy to work with the company, Ellman says, especially since it’s right down the road. Much of what he needs is readily available and does not require special order, but for those times when he needs something different, “the customer service is wonderful,” Ellman says. “They’re very responsive.” —JM
