Beard-nominated Denver bakery to open new South Pearl location

Reunion Bread, which received national acclaim, is expanding to a larger space after delays.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Reunion Bread, a bakery that received a James Beard Award nomination in 2023, is preparing to open a new and larger location on South Pearl Street in Denver's Platt Park neighborhood. The bakery, which originally opened inside the Source Hotel in 2019, has faced construction delays but is now aiming to open the new space by the end of March.

Why it matters

The relocation and expansion of Reunion Bread represents the continued growth and evolution of Denver's vibrant food scene, with acclaimed local businesses like this one expanding to meet customer demand. The new location will allow the bakery to offer an even wider selection of pastries, baked goods, and potentially even savory items and wine.

The details

Reunion Bread founder Ismael De Sousa had originally planned to open the new South Pearl Street location last May, but construction delays and permitting issues pushed back the timeline. The new space is more than twice the size of the bakery's existing stall at the Source, allowing for expanded offerings like cakes, eclairs, and a potential focaccia-based pizza. De Sousa also hopes to acquire a liquor license to serve wine in the afternoons.

  • Reunion Bread originally opened inside the Source Hotel in 2019.
  • De Sousa announced the bakery's relocation plan over a year ago.
  • The new South Pearl Street location was originally targeted to open in May 2025.
  • Construction delays and permitting issues pushed the opening to the end of March 2026.

The players

Ismael De Sousa

The founder of Reunion Bread, a bakery that received a James Beard Award nomination in 2023 for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.

Reunion Bread

A bakery that opened inside the Source Hotel in Denver in 2019, known for its pastries inspired by Portugal and Venezuela.

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What they’re saying

“This is just not the same Reunion. You're in a bakery that feels a little bit like a restaurant.”

— Ismael De Sousa, Founder, Reunion Bread (Denver Post)

What’s next

Reunion Bread is aiming to open its new South Pearl Street location by the end of March 2026.

The takeaway

The expansion of acclaimed local businesses like Reunion Bread demonstrates the continued growth and evolution of Denver's vibrant food scene, as popular establishments expand to meet customer demand and offer an even wider selection of high-quality baked goods and other culinary offerings.