Uppercrust was founded in 1981 by Jacqueline "Jackie" Dufty. She started a small bakery informed by her travels, experiences, and understanding of what makes food special. By 1986, Jackie's crunchy baguettes, hand-laminated croissants, and sparkly, auteurial hospitality developed a following that outstripped her cramped quarters. She moved the bakery to the Mothercrust Mothership in Gainesville Marketplace.
Uppercrust now comprises two artisan bakeries - our original location and Petit Uppercrust in Haile. Truly fresh baked goods are a unique pleasure of life, and it is thrill to make them and serve them to you daily.
Uppercrust also has an extensive retail section. These foods, stationery, Jellycats, and wines are curated by our team to complement our homemade offerings.
Uppercrust
Our Team
Ben Guzick
Ben tries to build upon Uppercrust's storied legacy and place in the community. He thanks Alton Brown for initiating him into the world of feeding people. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mr. Rogers and Josh Ozersky are personal heroes. When not at one of the bakeries (this is rare), Ben likes to watch YouTube video essays, play very aggressive openings in blitz chess, and the feeling of a committed, dialed in wedge shot in golf.
Owner
Natalie Ryals
When Trip first asked Natalie if she would be interested in a kitchen shift lead position, Natalie was surprised. And then she absolutely crushed it. Natalie is our preppin weapon. Thanksgiving 2022, we were in a tight spot. I remember distinctly when Mike, our former kitchen manager said, "it's going to be pretty rough until 6am, but then Natalie's here. From there, it's smooth sailing." It was. She corralled the herd while assuming an silly-long prep list. Natalie does work, and serves as an excellent model for technique and workflow for the entire kitchen team. In her free time, Natalie hangs out with her dogs and works on craft projects.
Kitchen Manager
Trip is a Gainesville native, and earned his undergraduate degree in economics at the University of Central Florida. Trip is an avid soccer fan and a lover of books, and can often be found reading. He also enjoys cooking, and joined our team initially to learn more about the art of baking. He's gotten (and earned) significantly more than that in the bargain. Trip has a methodical, clear-minded approach to work and organization, and a profound sense of personal responsibility when something is entrusted to him. If something can be converted into a spreadsheet, Trip will make that happen.
General Manager