Since the Helms Bakery District in Culver City underwent its revitalization in the early 2000s, something essential has been missing. Over the years, the area has blossomed into a vibrant commercial hub, attracting hip, upwardly-mobile Angelenos with its array of shops and restaurants. But one key piece of the neighborhood’s history was absent: the bakery that gave the district its name.

Once a thriving industrial bakery, Helms Bakery employed more than 2,000 workers across an 11-acre campus, with a fleet of over 1,000 distinctive yellow delivery vans. They delivered bread and baked goods across California, from Fresno to San Diego, and even played a part in history, supplying bread to the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics and to the Apollo 11 space mission. However, the bakery closed its doors in 1969, unable to compete with the rise of national grocery store chains.

Now, more than 50 years later, Helms Bakery is back. Announced in 2012, the revived bakery officially reopened to the public on November 1, 2024. A modern take on its original legacy, the new Helms Bakery continues to bake bread and treats from scratch in a sprawling 14,000 square-foot facility, offering a fresh chapter for the iconic brand.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a spacious, sun-drenched interior that feels more like a cathedral than a bakery. The soaring ceilings, supported by original wood beams, create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. To the right, a coffee counter offers house-roasted beans, teas, fresh juices, and smoothies. Above each service station, fluted glass and hand-painted signs add a charming touch of old-world craftsmanship.

At the far end of the room, shelves are stocked with a wide variety of freshly baked goods—loaves, baguettes, cookies, cakes, and pies—all available by the slice. There’s also an array of cheeses and charcuterie to pair with your selection. On the opposite side of the space, the kitchen churns out prepared foods, with everything from pasta salads and pickled vegetables to fried chicken and Italian deli sandwiches.

The left side of the bakery is dominated by refrigerated shelves full of grab-and-go refreshments: sparkling and still water, sodas, coffee, tea, kombucha—and soon, beer and wine. There’s even a cold case filled with pints of ice cream, including dairy-free options.

In the center of the space, various sundries are on display, ranging from candles and soaps to quirky snacks and candy. One shelf showcases imported Oreos from Taiwan alongside GoodNow Farms’ Caramelized Onion-flavored chocolate and nostalgic treats like Necco Wafers and Big League Chew. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a late-night craving, there’s something for everyone at the new Helms Bakery.

With its seamless blend of history, craftsmanship, and modern indulgence, the new Helms Bakery not only honors the legacy of its iconic predecessor but also reinvents what a bakery can be in today’s Culver City. Whether you’re stopping in for a loaf of freshly baked bread, a cup of expertly brewed coffee, or a unique snack to take home, Helms Bakery is a destination where the past and present meet in the most delicious way possible. It’s a space that invites visitors to linger, savor, and rediscover a piece of Los Angeles history—one bite at a time.