Kneaders brings its artisan breads from Salt Lake City to Henderson

With the opening of Nevada’s first Kneaders location in Henderson, the company is hoping to be more than just another chain restaurant or bakery.

“We want to be a part of the community,” said Joe Peterson, operating partner of the newly opened eatery at 11271 S. Eastern Ave. “We don’t want to be just another business. We want to insert ourselves into the community and be involved.”

Kneaders — with 47 bakeries in five states — was set to open April 7 in Henderson. The brand started in 1997 in Salt Lake City.

James Worthington, Kneaders CEO, said the company was a business idea conceived by his parents.

“It started out making quality, artisan breads,” he said, “but they learned quickly that our breads were amazing to use for sandwiches.”

The cafe kept adding to its menu — anything from smoothies to breakfast items.

“Once you try our French toast, you’ll want to come back for more,” Worthington said.

With an expanding menu, it was only natural to grow in locations as well. Coming to Nevada was inevitable.

“We had been waiting for the ideal location in Nevada,” Worthington said.

Though he spent a chunk of his career in higher education, Peterson made the switch to the restaurant industry a little over a year ago when a friend who was the director of restaurant development for Kneaders told him about the company’s plan to expand.

He spent the next few months learning the ins and outs of the restaurant industry and decided to help bring Kneaders’ first location to Nevada.

Peterson said Henderson seemed to fit the bakery’s mission but that there are more locations in the works. Worthington said he is looking into a location in another part of the Las Vegas Valley.

No matter what changed, one thing remained the same: Kneaders’ commitment to the community. Every location partners with nonprofits in the area as a way to give back.

“We have stores that partner with hospitals to raise money for cancer research,” Worthington said. “I think it’s good every location gets involved with something.”

The Henderson location is planning to partner with HELP of Southern Nevada, which offers a variety of assistance programs for low-income residents. Kneaders doesn’t use day-old bread and plans to donate baked goods to the organization.

Peterson said he wants to continue finding new organizations or groups to partner with, from sports teams to high schools.

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. Visit kneaders.com.

To reach Henderson View reporter Michael Lyle, email mlyle@viewnews.com or call 702-387-5201. Find him on Twitter: @mjlyle.