Guild Office Hours: Preparing for Bromate Bans

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 4:00pm–5:00pm ET 

As legislation restricting potassium bromate gains momentum, bakers across the country need to be prepared for what’s ahead. California has already passed a ban set to take effect in 2027, and New York is close behind. Several other states—including Illinois, Missouri, and Pennsylvania—are actively considering similar restrictions, signaling a broader shift that could impact bakeries nationwide.  

In this Office Hours session, we’ll break down what potassium bromate is, why it has been widely used in baking, and the health concerns driving these changes. From there, we’ll focus on practical strategies for transitioning away from bromated flour, with an emphasis on maintaining product quality and performance.  

This is a timely information session designed to help you stay ahead of the curve. As always, we’ll leave plenty of time for Q&A—so bring your questions, concerns, and real-world challenges.  

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Shawna Goldfarb is the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for King Arthur Baking Company and has been with the company for 14 years. With more than 22 years of experience in the baking industry, she works closely with commercial bakeries and manufacturing partners across the Northeast, specializing in flour performance, ingredient applications, and industry trends. Shawna brings a practical industry perspective to discussions surrounding the banning of bromate and its impact on commercial baking.

Tim Pohlman is the Director of Quality at Bay State Milling Company. Tim has over 20 years’ experience in flour milling and baking.  Graduate of AIB resistance baking course.  Experience in pan breads, artisan breads, tortillas and pizza processes.  Excellent knowledge of dough processes, dough development and functions of ingredient.  Also, well versed of various flour testing techniques.

Building Your Bakery: From Vision to Viable Business  

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

4:00pm – 6:00pm ET | Via Zoom 

Ready to turn your bakery idea into reality?  

This exclusive six-part webinar series guides aspiring and early-stage bakery owners through the essential steps of building and running a successful bakery business. Led by experienced bakers and industry experts, each 2-hour session delivers practical strategies, real-world insights, and useful tools to help you turn your vision into a viable, working business.  

See Complete Series Description Here

Session Overview

Session 1: Bakery Foundations & Business Models  

Starting a bakery can feel overwhelming. This session helps you cut through the noise and understand where to begin. 

Session 2: Planning, Pricing & Financial Basics  

Great baked goods are only as strong as the numbers behind them. Learn the financial fundamentals every bakery owner needs to know.     

Session 3: Business Set Up, Funding & Legal Considerations  

The decisions you make early on can save—or cost—you money. Learn how to set up your business the right way from the start.  

Session 4: Designing the Bakery Operation  

Behind every great bakery is a system that works. This session shows you how to build the foundation that keeps things running smoothly. 

Session 5: Staffing, Training & Daily Management  

You can’t do it all alone—at least not for long. Learn how to build a team and structure that supports your bakery (and your sanity).

Session 6: Marketing, Growth & Long-Term Sustainability  

Opening is just the beginning. This session focuses on building a bakery that lasts.

Participants will leave with a clearer vision, a stronger business foundation, and a realistic understanding of what it takes to bring a bakery to life. Each session includes ample time for questions and discussion.  

Register for the full series or attend individual sessions. 

This series is presented in partnership with Cybake.

Building Your Bakery: From Vision to Viable Business - Session 1:  Bakery Foundations & Business Models

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET 

Via Zoom 

Ready to turn your bakery idea into reality?  

This exclusive six-part webinar series guides aspiring and early-stage bakery owners through the essential steps of building and running a successful bakery business. Led by experienced bakers and industry experts, each 2-hour session delivers practical strategies, real-world insights, and useful tools to help you turn your vision into a viable, working business.  

Session 1: Bakery Foundations & Business Models  

Starting a bakery can feel overwhelming. This session helps you cut through the noise and understand where to begin.  

• Understand the realities of bakery ownership, including the time and lifestyle demands   

• Explore different bakery models (retail, wholesale, café, production-only)   

• Understand your market and where opportunities and challenges may exist 

Participants will leave with a clearer vision, a stronger business foundation, and a realistic understanding of what it takes to bring a bakery to life. Each session includes ample time for questions and discussion.  

Register for the full series or attend individual sessions. 

This series is presented in partnership with Cybake.

Building Your Bakery: From Vision to Viable Business - Session 2: Planning, Pricing & Financial Basics 

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET  Via Zoom 

Ready to turn your bakery idea into reality?  

This exclusive six-part webinar series guides aspiring and early-stage bakery owners through the essential steps of building and running a successful bakery business. Led by experienced bakers and industry experts, each 2-hour session delivers practical strategies, real-world insights, and useful tools to help you turn your vision into a viable, working business.  

Session 2: Planning, Pricing & Financial Basics  

Great baked goods are only as strong as the numbers behind them. Learn the financial fundamentals every bakery owner needs to know.  

• Understand the difference between startup costs and operating capital   

• Learn what it really costs to run a bakery, from ingredients to labor to utilities   

• Learn the basics of pricing baked goods for profitability   

• Understand cash flow—and why paying yourself matters   

• See how all of this comes together in a workable business plan   

Participants will leave with a clearer vision, a stronger business foundation, and a realistic understanding of what it takes to bring a bakery to life. Each session includes ample time for questions and discussion.  

Register for the full series or attend individual sessions. 

This session is presented in partnership with Cybake.

Building Your Bakery: From Vision to Viable Business - Session 3: Business Set Up, Funding & Legal Considerations 

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET  Via Zoom 

Ready to turn your bakery idea into reality?  

This exclusive six part webinar series guides aspiring and early-stage bakery owners through the essential steps of building and running a successful bakery business. Led by experienced bakers and industry experts, each 2-hour session delivers practical strategies, real-world insights, and useful tools to help you turn your vision into a viable, working business.  

Session 3: Business Set Up, Funding & Legal Considerations  

The decisions you make early on can save—or cost—you money. Learn how to set up your business the right way from the start.  

• Choose the business structure that makes sense for you (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation)   

• Assemble your professional team—banker, accountant, and other advisors   

• Explore realistic options for accessing capital   

• Navigate taxes, permits, insurance, and other regulatory requirements    

Participants will leave with a clearer vision, a stronger business foundation, and a realistic understanding of what it takes to bring a bakery to life. Each session includes ample time for questions and discussion.  

Register for the full series or attend individual sessions. 

This session is presented in partnership with Cybake.

Building Your Bakery: From Vision to Viable Business - Session 4: Designing the Bakery Operation

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET Via Zoom 

Ready to turn your bakery idea into reality?  

This exclusive six-part webinar series guides aspiring and early-stage bakery owners through the essential steps of building and running a successful bakery business. Led by experienced bakers and industry experts, each 2-hour session delivers practical strategies, real-world insights, and useful tools to help you turn your vision into a viable, working business.   

Session 4: Designing the Bakery Operation  

Behind every great bakery is a system that works. This session shows you how to build the foundation that keeps things running smoothly.  

• Decide what products to offer—and how to keep your menu manageable   

• Learn how to stay organized with purchasing and inventory   

• Understand the essentials of food safety and sanitation   

• Create clear routines and guidelines so your bakery runs consistently   

Participants will leave with a clearer vision, a stronger business foundation, and a realistic understanding of what it takes to bring a bakery to life. Each session includes ample time for questions and discussion.  

Register for the full series or attend individual sessions. 

This session is presented in partnership with Cybake.

Building Your Bakery: From Vision to Viable Business - Session 5: Staffing, Training & Daily Management

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET Via Zoom 

Ready to turn your bakery idea into reality?  

This exclusive six-part webinar series guides aspiring and early-stage bakery owners through the essential steps of building and running a successful bakery business. Led by experienced bakers and industry experts, each 2-hour session delivers practical strategies, real-world insights, and useful tools to help you turn your vision into a viable, working business.    

Session 5: Staffing, Training & Daily Management  

You can’t do it all alone—at least not for long. Learn how to build a team and structure that supports your bakery (and your sanity).  

• Figure out when it’s time to hire—and who to hire first   

• Train staff to work efficiently and consistently   

• Build schedules that support production without exhausting your team   

• Handle communication and performance issues with confidence   

• Manage your own time and energy to avoid burnout   

Participants will leave with a clearer vision, a stronger business foundation, and a realistic understanding of what it takes to bring a bakery to life. Each session includes ample time for questions and discussion.  

Register for the full series or attend individual sessions. 

This session is presented in partnership with Cybake.

Building Your Bakery: From Vision to Viable Business - Session 6: Marketing, Growth & Long-Term Sustainability  

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET Via Zoom 

Ready to turn your bakery idea into reality?  

This exclusive six-part webinar series guides aspiring and early-stage bakery owners through the essential steps of building and running a successful bakery business. Led by experienced bakers and industry experts, each 2-hour session delivers practical strategies, real-world insights, and useful tools to help you turn your vision into a viable, working business.  

Session 6: Marketing, Growth & Long-Term Sustainability  

Opening is just the beginning. This session focuses on building a bakery that lasts.  

• Define your brand and get the word out   

• Build and retain a loyal customer base   

• Track key metrics like product sales, labor, and waste   

• Recognize when it’s time to grow—and when it’s not   

• Learn from common mistakes that cause bakeries to struggle or close   

Participants will leave with a clearer vision, a stronger business foundation, and a realistic understanding of what it takes to bring a bakery to life. Each session includes ample time for questions and discussion.  

Register for the full series or attend individual sessions. 

This session is presented in partnership with Cybake.