Fans of Jenny Lee Swirl Bread, rejoice! The family behind the classic Pittsburgh brand is launching a chain of restaurants with menus built around their beloved breads. (Think sausage, egg, and cheese on cinnamon swirl bread French toast 😋) They hope to open the first Jenny Lee Breakfast Nook on the North Side this spring.
It’s all timed to a big milestone: the Jenny Lee family is celebrating 150 years in the baking business! Here’s what to know about the delicious history (and future) of swirl bread.
🍩 West End Origins
In the 1800s, Michael Becker immigrated to the U.S. from Germany, changed his last name to Baker (fitting!), and opened a bakery on the West End. Though mostly known for donuts, he also made cinnamon swirl bread — in the same pan that’s used today. His grandson carried on the tradition, opening Jenny Lee Bakery in Market Square in 1938.
🎵 Who Was Jenny Lee?
The bakery wasn’t named in honor of someone’s grandmother or sister; it’s after “Sweet Jennie Lee,” a 1930s song first performed by Cab Calloway and delightfully covered by Willie Nelson.
🍞 A Sweet Comeback
Jenny Lee Bakery closed in 2008, but Michael’s great-great grandson, Scott Baker, couldn’t stay away from the family business. He grew up in the bakery, sorting walnuts and stretching out peanut brittle. So he founded 5 Generation Bakers and started making Jenny Lee Swirl Bread again.
🍪 Make Your Own
Scott didn’t bring back other bakery items, to the chagrin of longtime Pittsburghers. “Jenny Lee closed in 2008 and 17 years later, people still say, ‘Scott, can you make those blueberry muffins again? Can you make the chocolate chip cookies?’” he says. In honor of this year’s milestone, he’s selling dry mixes based on old family recipes, so you can bake your favorites at home.
🍅 More Than Cinnamon Swirl
Jenny Lee is known for sweet flavors, but they also have options like California tomato basil and Italian olive focaccia. Scott recommends using the savory bread to make an elevated grilled cheese.
