Home Kneads Sourdough Bakery to Open First Storefront in Slater, Iowa

Michael and Nina Harris built Home Kneads into a central Iowa sourdough operation producing more than 500 loaves a week out of their home. Now, backed by $100,000 in city loan support, they're taking it to Main Street.

The Harrises plan to renovate the historic building at 412 Main St. in downtown Slater, Iowa, creating a dedicated production space and weekend retail storefront. The city of Slater approved the $100,000 through its economic development revolving loan fund to help fund the project. Home Kneads is expected to open before Slater's Fourth of July celebration.

The bakery specializes in artisan sourdough made with organic ingredients: freshly milled flour, water, and ancient sea salt. The new space will also allow the Harrises to expand production and continue growing their existing wholesale partnership with Fareway, which currently carries their loaves.

"We are committed to investing in Slater's historic downtown, contributing to local economic development, and creating a welcoming space that brings both residents and visitors to Main Street," the Harrises said in a news release. "We appreciate the support of the City of Slater and the opportunity to continue growing our business within this community."

Beyond retail and wholesale, the storefront will house Home Kneads' sourdough classes, which have developed a serious regional following. The classes draw students from across Iowa and typically book two months in advance. The Harrises taught 500 people last year, reflecting what they describe as a rising interest in traditional bread-making.

Slater Mayor Taylor Christensen welcomed the news. "Mike and Nina Harris are wonderful people, and we're excited to have them as part of our community," Christensen said in a news release. "We're all looking forward to the amazing aroma of fresh sourdough drifting through town."

With their classes already at capacity months out and loaves moving through both direct and wholesale channels, the move to 412 Main St. gives Home Kneads the infrastructure to meet demand it has clearly already earned.