Breadmaking Class at Lazarus Brewing Austin Celebrates 50-Year Milestone

South Austin community gathers to mark the anniversary of a beloved local natural foods cooperative

Apr. 20, 2026 at 8:56am

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A highly stylized, abstract grid of brightly colored loaves of bread in a pop art silkscreen style, conceptually representing the joyful energy and community focus of a local bakery event.The breadmaking class at Lazarus Brewing celebrates the enduring community spirit of South Austin's beloved Rainbow Grocery Cooperative.Austin Today

Lazarus Brewing Company in East Austin is hosting a special breadmaking class this weekend, inviting the community to learn the art of artisanal bread baking. The event is part of a larger celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the beloved Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, a local natural foods store that has been a fixture in the South Austin neighborhood for half a century.

Why it matters

The breadmaking class at Lazarus Brewing highlights the enduring appeal of community-focused, mission-driven businesses in a rapidly changing city. As Austin grapples with the displacement of longtime residents and the rise of national chains, Rainbow Grocery's 50-year milestone demonstrates how values-based enterprises can thrive by catering to local tastes and building loyal customer bases.

The details

The breadmaking class at Lazarus Brewing will feature hands-on instruction from expert bakers, teaching attendees how to mix, knead, and shape dough into delicious loaves. Participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of artisanal bread making. The event is part of a broader celebration of Rainbow Grocery's 50th anniversary, which will include live music, food vendors, giveaways, and more.

  • The breadmaking class at Lazarus Brewing will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2026.
  • Rainbow Grocery Cooperative first opened its doors in the summer of 1976.

The players

Lazarus Brewing Company

A local craft brewery in East Austin that is hosting the special breadmaking class as part of the Rainbow Grocery anniversary celebration.

Rainbow Grocery Cooperative

A community-owned natural foods grocery store that has been a fixture in South Austin for the past 50 years, known for its commitment to organic produce, homeopathic products, and environmentally conscious brands.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

Rainbow Grocery is hosting an anniversary party this Sunday, April 23, 2026, featuring live music, food vendors, games, and giveaways.

The takeaway

In an era of private equity-owned supermarkets, South Austin's largest independent natural food store remains worker-owned and committed to organic food—proving mission-driven retail can survive and community values can endure, even as the city rapidly evolves.