Ever wonder how a film producer from Israel ended up creating one of Boston’s most beloved bakeries? That’s the story of Tatte Bakery & Cafe. It stands here a testament to passion. It shows the power of following your heart.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe is more than just a place to grab a pastry and coffee. It is a fast-casual bakery and cafe. It’s a story of immigrant dreams and culinary artistry. Founded by Tzurit Or, Tatte began as a humble stand at the Copley Square Farmer’s Market in 2007.
Tzurit baked for 20 hours each day. She used family recipes from her childhood in Israel. She couldn’t keep up with the demand. The aroma of her brioche and nut boxes filled the air. People lined up. They were eager to taste her creations.
After one summer, Tzurit opened her first brick-and-mortar store in Brookline in 2008. It was named Tatte Fine Cookies & Cakes. The name “Tatte” is special. It means “daddy” in Yiddish. Young Hebrew speakers use “tatte” instead of the Hebrew word for grandmother. Tzurit’s daughter said “tatte” when looking at a photo of her grandmother. It inspired the name.
Tatte expanded throughout the Boston area. Each location has its own unique feel and style. All stay true to Tzurit’s original vision. She wanted to create a welcoming space. She hoped to evoke a sense of home and belonging.
In 2016, Ron Shaich, former CEO of Panera Bread, invested in Tatte. Despite this, Tatte remained an independent company. Tzurit stepped down as CEO in 2020. She remains involved. She focuses on food innovation and cafe design.
Today, Tatte has many locations in the Boston area. There are also locations in the Washington, D.C. area. Tatte’s mission is to inspire and care for every person. It seeks to touch every neighborhood and city with its food and passion.
Tatte’s pastries and desserts owe their flavors to carefully sourced ingredients. The team crafts bold combinations of flavors and textures. They get inspiration from around the globe. Tzurit’s culinary artistry and a talented team bring it all to life.
So, as you enjoy your treat at Tatte Bakery & Cafe. Remember the story behind it. It is a story of a woman. She followed her passion for baking. She created a place where everyone feels welcome. It is a place that inspires, cares for, and nurtures.