CRUST a baking co. Announces New Retail and Café Location in Howell, MI — Opening First Quarter 2027

HOWELL, Mich., September 28, 2026 — CRUST a baking co., the Fenton-based artisan bakery known for handcrafted breads, pastries and scratch-made food, today announced plans to open a new retail bakery and café in downtown Howell in the first quarter of 2027.

The expansion comes nearly 15 years after CRUST first opened its doors in Fenton on February 1, 2012. What began as a single artisan bakery has grown into a multifaceted food business serving customers throughout the region while remaining independently owned and committed to its Michigan roots. The new location, at 203 W. Grand River Avenue in downtown Howell, represents an important next chapter for the company.

For owners Chad and Marybeth Brennan, the decision to expand to Howell is about much more than finding the right building or entering a new market. Chad grew up in Hartland and Marybeth in Fenton, giving them deep roots in Livingston County and a longstanding connection to Howell and the surrounding communities.

A Natural Next Step for CRUST

From the beginning, CRUST has been committed to traditional baking methods, quality ingredients, handcrafted food and genuine hospitality. Today the bakery reaches customers through its Fenton bakery, restaurant and café, its counter at the Flint Farmers’ Market, its e-commerce site, wholesale partnerships and other retail channels.

The Howell location will build on that foundation while creating an experience tailored to the downtown Howell community. Guests can expect the artisan breads and pastries that have defined CRUST, along with café offerings, thoughtfully prepared food and a welcoming space designed to become a gathering place for residents, downtown employees and visitors alike.

Investing in Downtown Howell

CRUST’s expansion represents a significant investment in downtown Howell and Livingston County. The company plans to renovate and transform the Grand River Avenue property into a bakery and café that complements the character and energy of downtown. The expansion will also create new employment opportunities as CRUST builds its Howell team ahead of opening.

“Our goal has never been simply to open more locations. Growth has to make sense for our people, our company and the community we’re entering. We believe Howell checks every one of those boxes. We want to build something that will become part of the community and be here for a very long time.”

Chad Brennan, co-owner, CRUST a baking co.

CRUST selected Howell after years of watching the community’s growth, strong local economy, vibrant downtown and commitment to locally owned businesses. The company believes the combination of Howell’s residents, the surrounding Livingston County communities and growing downtown activity provides an ideal environment for CRUST’s next chapter.

More Than a Second Location

While Howell will introduce CRUST to many new guests, the company intends to maintain the craftsmanship and personal connection that have been central to its identity since the beginning.

Construction and development work will continue throughout the remainder of 2026, with CRUST targeting an opening during the first quarter of 2027.

Additional announcements regarding the opening date, hiring opportunities, menu, community partnerships and grand-opening events will be shared as the project progresses.

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