Levè Bakery Sparks Sourdough Craze in Conway with Sold-Out Classes and Community Spirit

Good Bread and Great Classes: Levé Bakery in Conway is Rising!

Welcome to Conway, a cozy town that’s heating up with the aroma of freshly baked bread! At the heart of it all is Levé Bakery, where co-owner Geoff Blount gets his hands doughy every day, creating delightful sourdough loaves to satisfy local cravings. With a knack for baking and a passion for teaching, Geoff and his team are making waves, turning this tiny bakery into a hot spot for both bread lovers and aspiring bakers.

From 50 to 500 Loaves: A Weekend Challenge

Typically, you’ll find Geoff shaping between 50 to 60 loaves of sourdough each day. However, this Wednesday was no ordinary day. With the weekend farmers markets approaching fast, the bakery staff was gearing up for a whopping demand of 450 to 500 loaves! Talk about raising the stakes!

Geoff and his colleague Audrey Brletich opened the bakery this past March, but their love affair with bread began in 2022. The name Levé, which means “rise up” in French, captures the essence of their mission perfectly. After all, it’s all about that wonderful rising process that transforms a simple dough into a crunchy, golden loaf.

Flour Power: Sourdough Classes That Are a Hit!

With their rapid rise in popularity, Levé decided to share the love and skills by offering bread-making classes. And guess what? Every single class has been sold out, with new classes for early 2025 already flying off the shelf! Each class is intimate, limited to just six students, ensuring a personal touch as Geoff guides them through the fascinating world of sourdough.

But why the sudden surge in interest? According to Geoff, it all stems from the pandemic. He jokingly states, “The best thing COVID ever did was to reset sourdough.” With folks stuck at home, many turned to baking, and now it’s becoming a trendy hobby. Grab your apron because bread-making isn’t just for the professionals anymore!

Get to Know the Bakers: Geoff and Audrey’s Culinary Journey

Geoff isn’t just a baker; he’s a culinary wizard with over 20 years of experience! From cooking in restaurants across the U.S. to teaching culinary students at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, he’s seen and done it all. Plus, he even competed on Season 6 of the “Holiday Baking Show” on HGTV.

His partner, Audrey, is a former student who brings her pastry magic to the table (or bakery). From delectable cheesecakes to perfect croissants, the two have an incredible synergy that keeps customers coming back for more.

Successes & Failures: A Community of Learners

Debbie Phillips, humorously recalls her early attempts, “I made a loaf that you couldn’t use as a doorstop!” But, after a little persistence – and some excellent mentoring from Geoff – she’s now enjoying the sweet success of her bread-baking hobby.

“We have fun,” says Geoff, echoing the sentiment that anyone can learn to make sourdough with enough practice. Isn’t it heartwarming to think that a little flour and water can bring a community together?

More Classes Beyond Levé: Where to Learn Around Conway

If Levé’s classes are not enough to satiate your learning desires, there are a variety of other places in Myrtle Beach and around Conway offering classes too! From a popular North Myrtle Beach bakery that’s gearing up for cookie and cupcake decorating classes to Conway cafes focusing on wonderful white bread, aspiring chefs are in for a treat.

And let’s not forget Chef Jane in Myrtle Beach, with her classes on homemade pasta and scrumptious appetizers. With the holiday season around the corner, these classes are perfect for sprucing up your skills and impressing your guests!

In this community, it’s not just about bread; it’s about building connections, sharing joy, and indulging in the simple pleasures of life. So grab a rolling pin, a few friends, and dive into the delightful world of baking!