Our Story

The Birth & Rise of Bella Bru Baking Company

The story of Bella Bru Baking Company begins behind the scenes at the original Bella Bru Café in Carmichael, CA, founded by Liz Mishler in 1993. From day one, Bella Bru made all of its own pastries in-house — a tradition that has continued for more than three decades. Tucked away in the back of the house — in what is now the modern-day Luna Lounge — the café’s bakery operation quietly produced the fresh baked goods that helped define the Bella Bru experience.

That changed — and grew — when the café’s longtime bagel supplier announced they were ready to retire. Rather than search for a replacement, Liz’s husband, Steve Mishler, decided to take on the challenge himself. He learned the craft, began baking fresh bagels each morning, and soon the aroma became a signature part of Bella Bru alongside its beloved pastries.

The response from guests was immediate — and the baking never stopped. Word spread beyond Bella Bru’s own cafés, and demand grew from other restaurants, coffee shops, and cafés throughout Sacramento.

With that momentum, Steve expanded the bakery’s capabilities, introducing a growing lineup of artisan breads and specialty baked goods. Orders began pouring in from local restaurants, hotels, schools, and catering companies looking for the same quality and consistency Bella Bru was known for.

What began as a small backroom operation evolved into a dedicated wholesale bakery — Bella Bru Baking Company— supplying fresh, hand-crafted products daily to partners across the Northern California region.

Today, Bella Bru Baking Company continues to uphold its founding spirit: solving problems with creativity, embracing quality over shortcuts, and building lasting relationships one loaf at a time.