In this episode of The Desert Harvest, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the fascinating journey of Don Guerra, the renowned founder of Barrio Bread and recent James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Baker. They discuss Don’s commitment to building a resilient local grain economy in Arizona, his inspiring collaboration with local producers and farmers, and the social impact of his work. Join us as Don shares the origins of Barrio Bread and his latest venture, Barrio Bagel and Slice, shedding light on the importance of community-supported agriculture and the virtuous cycle of good food and sustainable practices. Learn how Don’s passion for his craft and the collaborative spirit with Oren have led to a transformative dining experience that supports local economic growth and ecological sustainability.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:28 The Origin Story of Barrio Bread

07:00 The Impact of Barrio Bagel and Slice

13:06 Reviving Heritage Grains

20:57 Building a Sustainable Grain Economy

28:06 Ecological Benefits of Local Grains

30:26 Economic Impact of Arizona Wine

31:08 The Virtuous Cycle of Local Wheat

32:11 Personal Growth and Challenges

34:19 The Importance of Family and Balance

35:54 Building a Strong Business Partnership

39:12 Creating a Unique Restaurant Concept

44:47 Community Engagement and Customer Feedback

50:46 Final Thoughts and Future Plans