About Albemarle Baking Company

Albemarle Baking Company was founded in 1995 by Gerry Newman and Millie Carson. Originally on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, the bakery soon outgrew that location, and in the spring of 2001 was the first business to open in the now thriving Main Street Market.

Gerry began his training as an apprentice to a Swiss Master Baker before going on to become an Executive Pastry Chef; eventually opening ABC and competing in the National Bread and Pastry Championship, where he won best bread, best viennoiserie, best entremet, and 3rd overall.

From the beginning, ABC’s goal has been to approach baking seriously and joyously, allowing us to produce the best bread and pastries possible for our customers. What started as a three-person operation has grown into a team of over 30 dedicated bakery staff committed to maintaining this standard.

In 2025, Gerry chose to step back in his role, and the bakery transitioned to new ownership. ABC continues to be locally owned, operating with the same bakers, pastry chefs, atmosphere, and high quality you’ve come to know and love.

We handcraft our award-winning breads, cakes, and pastries in our bakery using only the finest ingredients. We are the bakery of choice for many  of the finest dining establishments and caterers in Charlottesville, and our products are found in several specialty food shops in the area.  We are honored to have our products be a part of your gatherings, as that is where community begins!

Photo: Sarah Cramer for Beyond the Flavor.

Thanks to Jen Fariello for a lot of the nice photography on this site.