IT'S ALL GOOD!

In the spring of 1982, the classic Kelly green Sourdough Express Van rolled into Homer, Alaska, after a Grueling trip up the Alaska Highway. Back then the roads were not paved and spring weather conditions brought blizzards and obstacles. The 1972 bread-wagon-on- wheels took four weeks to make the journey, peddling bread up the Highway to make enough money to set up shop in their new found destination. The van pulled a small homemade trailer equipped with an old propane oven capable of baking six loaves at once, plus enough supplies for subsistence living along the way. The weary travelers had lots of gumption and made it to Homer with only $43 left in their pockets. The bakery van parked on the Homer Spit and in three weeks established itself and its products in the community. Over a quarter of a century later, the van still resides in front of the original Fresh Sourdough Express as a playhouse for children.
Fresh Sourdough Express continues to be a place where people care about you and the environment. They take pride in bringing you the finest quality in all of their products. Everything is made from scratch, using local and organic products when possible. The Story lives on today in the original location, 1316 Ocean Drive, Homer, Alaska.

About the Founders

  Donna Maltz
   In 1982, at the age of 25, Donna made the journey to Alaska after finishing a degree in Social Ecology from Evergreen State College. She had been an organic farmer and environmental educator and activist for several years before she ventured up the Alaska Highway. Donna started The Fresh Sourdough Express with $43, and a self-determined passion to make the world a better place one bit at a time. With Donna's leadership and commitment to serving socially responsible food, the Bakery grew to be one of the most popular full line Bakery & Restaurant in the state.
  In 1991 Donna created the AH!LASKA brand, and with her husband, Kevin, established the first organic Cocoa Mixes and Chocolate Syrup for the National Market. The products are still selling strong in health food stores around the nation. She involves herself in many community activities and was the founder of ‘Sustainable Homer’, a non-profit group working toward inspiring the Homer Community to adopt more sustainable business and lifestyle practices. www.sustainablehomer.org
  Donna continues working with the creative process in all the Maltz's Businesses, creating the marketing materials, developing branded products, and writing the menus for the restaurant. In spite of all this, she still found time to write the book AH!Mazing Recipes for Kids and Adults. She is working on her next mouth-watering book which is scheduled to be published in 2009.

  Kevin Maltz
  In 1984, Kevin Maltz, at the age 26, wandered into the young Fresh Sourdough Express and found himself in alignment with the core values and atmosphere of the warm and growing establishment. He read a sign on the side of the cash register, "HEAD BAKER NEEDED INQUIRE WITHIN". He saw this as a “sign” and he applied, and not only got the job, but soon after married the owner. Kevin immediately embraced the responsibilities and everything that went with joint ownership of this visionary growing concept. For over a quarter of a century Kevin has mastered every aspect of the food service business. He was the head baker for several years, took on the role as the lead chief, and is the kitchen manager and general manager for this successful operation. Kevin’s skills in the food service industry are hard to match.
  He currently manages over 30 employees in season, many of them being students from Homer High School and Kenai Peninsula College.

 
The Win Win Management Style
  Kevin and Donna both stand true to their ‘win-win management style’ which is geared toward building better individuals. Much like the web of life in nature, they work together with their staff while focusing on the importance each individual plays in maintaining a ‘high performance’ working environment. They take the time to train their staff about the importance of genuine and kind service and educate each employee on the benefits of producing and serving the highest quality food. “We want our customers to feel welcome and at home when they join us for a meal.”
 
“Dear Kevin & Donna Maltz, Greetings from NYC!! ..... My wife and I had the opportunity to meet both of you at the Sourdough as we were there every day for either morning coffee or lunch or dinner during our three days in Homer circa 2002..... I saw Kevin as the 'Mayor of Homer' as people were always asking him questions and he was very gracious in answering everyone..... the whole staff radiated from the top down” “Manhattan needs a Sourdough Express on every corner”
Thank You & God Bless - Patrick & Deborah Gallagh

First CERTIFIED Green Restaurant in the State of Alaska The Fresh Sourdough Express is the first Certified Green Restaurant in the state of Alaska. They have been officially recognized for the responsible green achievements they have made over the last quarter of a century. They continue to demonstrate their commitment to being socially responsible as they make the necessary changes in their establishment as solutions become available to the industry. Statistics show the dining industry accounts for 10% of the U.S. economy and is the number one consumer of electricity in the retail sector. Through responsible business practices, the Maltz’s have seen the results that small changes in everyday operations can make in creating a big difference in reducing our overall carbon foot print.


Mission Goal and Commitment
 Our MISSION is to broaden awareness, through a sensory experience, of the integral part food plays in our well-being. Deepening our understanding of how every aspect of the food choices we make, affect us, and the planet we share.
  Our GOAL is to offer rich regional and organic food, in sync with the environment, while giving diners a healthy, positive and memorable experience.

The Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery & Café supports socially responsible business practices and is committed to the following:
1. Supporting sustainable regional products
2. Using organic when feasible
3. Creating edible landscaping
4. Pre-cycling, recycling, reducing and reusing, Recycling waste by composting all food scraps
5. Using earth friendly disposable products
6. Using non-toxic cleaning products
7. Using environmentally friendly building material
8. Using energy efficient appliances and equipment, Supporting efforts toward renewable energy
9. Implementing methods of pollution prevention
10. Education regarding sustainable business practices

AH!LASKA

  In 1992 The Maltz's took their commitment to a broader market and went national with a line of Organic Chocolate products called AH!LASKA. The mission was to expand their committed values of supporting organic, fair trade and ecological sound business practices. The company hit the national market and was overwhelmingly received. A percentage of its profits were donated to various wildlife organizations in Alaska. The AH!LASKA brand is now owned by United Natural Foods which is the largest Natural Foods Distributor in the Nation. Donna remains involved with the company consulting on new products and brand identity.

Kevin and Donna are the founders and owners of "A Memorable Experience Bed and Breakfast, and Catering Company". This Eco-Friendly business provides comfortable and clean accommodations and offers catering for any event, specializing in custom wedding packages. www.amemorableexperience.com

Green Cuisine Consultants: Donna and Kevin have started a new company called ‘Regional Green Cuisine Consultants’. With over 50 years combined experience in green restaurant development and management, they have begun to contract their valuable services. They offer their expertise in food service for those who want to green up their business. Their services extend from existing restaurants that want to go Green, to new start ups and clients that want to take a food service related product to market. Serving healthy food in a healthy environment is just part of the equation; our goal is to assist with the integration of all aspects of social responsibility in the food service industry.

NOW FOR SALE

  The Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery & Café Concept is for sale. We are interested in talking with investors who wish to leverage this successful establishment into multiple units throughout Alaska and the lower 48. Since 1982, this establishment has focused on sustainable business practices, serving local and organic foods, and practicing a win-win management system.
  The original Bakery and Cafe in Homer is for sale. It is perfect for someone who is serious about running a successful, seasonal, slam-dunk business. It beckons to someone who has the money to invest and a strong desire to run a green bakery and café in Homer Alaska. If you are serious give us a call at 907-235-7374