Rize Up Bakery celebrates bold flavors and community impact

Founder Azikiwee 'Z' Anderson turns pandemic sourdough project into thriving San Francisco bakery

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Azikiwee 'Z' Anderson founded Rize Up Bakery in San Francisco after starting a sourdough baking project during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bakery is now known for its bold flavors like ube sourdough, and Z uses the business to inspire, give back, and support the next generation of Black bakers.

Why it matters

Rize Up Bakery represents the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the San Francisco food scene, as a small business that was able to thrive despite the challenges of the pandemic. The bakery's focus on community impact and uplifting Black bakers is also an important contribution to diversity and inclusion in the local food industry.

The details

What began as a quarantine sourdough project for Azikiwee 'Z' Anderson has blossomed into Rize Up Bakery, a community-driven bakery in San Francisco known for its bold and innovative flavors like ube sourdough. Anderson uses the bakery as a platform to inspire others, give back to the community, and support the next generation of Black bakers.

  • Rize Up Bakery was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The bakery is celebrating its 6-year anniversary in 2026.

The players

Azikiwee 'Z' Anderson

The founder of Rize Up Bakery in San Francisco, who started the business as a quarantine sourdough project that has since grown into a community-driven bakery.

Rize Up Bakery

A San Francisco bakery founded by Azikiwee 'Z' Anderson, known for its bold flavors and community-focused mission.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bread has the power to inspire, to give back, and to lift up the next generation of Black bakers.”

— Azikiwee 'Z' Anderson, Founder, Rize Up Bakery

What’s next

Rize Up Bakery will be hosting a 6-year anniversary celebration on February 29, 2026, featuring special menu items, live music, and a community bake-off.

The takeaway

Rize Up Bakery's success demonstrates how a small, community-focused business can thrive by embracing bold flavors, a mission-driven approach, and a commitment to uplifting underrepresented groups in the food industry.