If you’ve ever driven past 1630 Summit Street in Norwood and thought you caught a whiff of something wonderful in the air, you probably did – Blue Grouse Bread. The boutique bakery was founded in 2016, a collaboration between cousins Hannah and Ben Rossman who were inspired by their shared passion for artisan bread-making.
Originally from Vermont, the two realized their love for dough early on. Hannah helped build a Quebec style wood-fired oven in high school and was hooked. Equipped with some bread-baking experience under her belt, a degree in geology, and a certificate from the New England Culinary Institute in pastry arts, she ventured to Norwood.
“My husband and I have lived here just over a decade,” Hannah informed. “We chose Norwood because we wanted somewhere rural where it was easy to get into the mountains without seeing a lot of people. Turns out we also love the people that live here too! We have made so many amazing friendships over the years here even though Norwood is such a small town. It’s awesome to get the benefit of a quiet place but still have such great people to spend time with!”
For Ben, baking bread with his mother ignited the fateful flame. After graduating college with a history degree, he opened a bagel stand at a farmer’s market in Idaho then racked up some experience working for the renowned Persephone Bakery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming before heading out on a BreAdventure that would take him across the country to visit 15 top bread artisans. Eventually, he joined his fellow-bread baker cousin in Norwood and Blue Grouse Bread was born.
Blue Grouse Bread operates on a wholesale setup, delivering to local establishments, like Clark’s, as well as to stores and restaurants in Montrose, Telluride, Rico, Ridgway, and beyond.
The bread coalition is known for its high-quality, organic, locally sourced grains and dedication to the art of old-world bread-baking techniques. It is also appreciated for its commitment to the community.
“I love knowing that I am feeding our community nutritious food made with grains grown organically in Colorado,” Hannah commented. “We get to support farmers and our local economy with the grain purchases we make while at the same time keeping families fed with delicious, health food.”
Owning and operating Blue Grouse Bread has its share of challenges, “Balancing ingredient costs, rising labor costs, and still providing a product at a price our community can afford is getting harder and harder every year,” explained Hannah. “We do our best to support everyone in the network (consumer, grain growers, and employees) and it’s not easy!”
In keeping with efforts to support local providers, Blue Grouse Bread has joined forces with Colorado Grain Chain (CGC), a non-profit initiative that increases awareness and value of Colorado-grown grains.
Hannah serves on the FRESH Foundation board as well as the Norwood Nordic Association board.
Blue Grouse Bread is an active member of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce which is important to both Hannah and Ben.
“Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce means we all get to help each other out as local businesses, even if it’s just in a small way,” Hannah said. “It all makes a difference!”
“Without our community, none of this would be possible,” Ben summed up. “Someone once told me that when you invest in your community, they will invest in you. I have certainly found that to be true.”