Go Now: Ginger and Baker

Once upon a time, the Northern Colorado Feeders Supply building was a gathering place for farmers and ranchers. It was where they bought grain, caught up over cups of coffee, and mingled with the locals who stopped by to pick up dog food.

Today, the 100-plus-year-old building is once again a gathering place—except now it’s over fresh-baked pies and craft cocktails. Ginger and Baker opened in the former feed building on November 14. “I always thought it would be fun to open a pie shop and a flower shop—almost like a French market with fresh-baked goods and fresh flowers. They make people happy, and they add to the quality of our lives, frankly,” says owner Ginger Graham. “I had been looking since 2013 for a location in Old Town Fort Collins. I fell in love with the old building; it’s such an iconic and historic facility.”

Ginger and Baker is housed in the restored structure (which is on the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Properties) and a new addition, and it pays homage to its origins. For example, a massive chandelier hanging above the center stairway is made of the poured-steel wheels that were used to move grain through the mill.

While just taking in the storied structure, and the Colorado art bedecking its walls, is worth a visit in and of itself, you’ll want to stay for the array of food and beverages. Ginger and Baker houses a bakery, cafe, two restaurants, a teaching kitchen, three outdoor patios, and two event spaces.

The Cafe serves breakfast all day (Graham recommends the fried chicken on house-made biscuits), lunch, and dinner. The Market & Bakery is all about pastries and bread. The Cache is the fine-dining offering, serving dinner (try the Colorado lamb or the beet ravioli), plus brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Grab a cocktail and bar snacks at the Rooftop (where you can also order off the Cache’s menu).

Most of the offerings—including breads, crackers, pastries, pimento cheese, and hot sauces—are made in-house (there are 14 bakers on staff), and ingredients are sourced locally. Graham hopes to expand that list to include jams, pickles, relishes, and even house-made dog treats.

If you want to learn to make some of those eats yourself—or focus your kids’ energy into an art project—head to the Teaching Kitchen. “I learned a lot of things at my mom’s kitchen table—and not just how to cook,” Graham says. As such, the schedule will include booze tastings, crafts, and, yes, cooking. “It’s one of those rooms where the community can come together,” Graham says.

The spot is also a retail hub, selling locally made goods, many of which are unique to Ginger and Baker.

Holiday Dessert Alert: Ginger and Baker is currently taking orders for holiday pies—apple, pecan, or pumpkin (or whatever flavor is your favorite from the full pie menu at the bakery). Call to place your order.

359 Linden St., Fort Collins, 970-223-7437