February 23, 2021

For years, Albion thrived as a bustling factory town. However, as Albion’s factories began to close at the turn of the century, so did the economy.  The Foundry Bakehouse and Deli is one of an influx of new business eager to infuse life back into Albion.

The Foundry draws its inspiration from the people and manufacturing business that built Albion. A great example are the beautiful woods tables where friends gather and share meals. These tables are made from reclaimed wood from the Peabody Building where the Foundry resides on the main floor.

Salvaging this wood came from a variety of areas on the second and third floor above the bakery, and are a mixture of the beams and support structure from the original building built in 1852. They really are magnificent when you see them up close.

The Foundry also shares its footprint with another prominent bakery originally located at 400 S. Superior. That was Mounteer’s Sanitary Bakery, a popular bakery that started and expanded on the Peabody Block from 1899 to 1934. Like Mounteer’s, the Foundry is a full service bakery that decorates cakes and offers made-to-order items. 

Feeding our family.

For the Foundry, feeding the local economy comes in many ways. Besides the community who comes into the Foundry for the deli and baked goods, the Foundry also provides a free lunch every week to the workers at Caster Concepts and it’s associated companies. Not to mention the many heartfelt donations Foundry is a part of to support community activities.

Most of all, the Foundry is a place where friends and families meet. For birthday celebrations to a bright and comfortable place to read or study. And, a great place to rekindle good memories. One of our customers, Carmelia Hawkins, saw her father Robert Holt in one of our pictures and brought him in to see it. Robert was a long time foundry employee and worked with Dick Dobbins, a larger than life inspiration for the Foundry Bakehouse & Deli. 

A robust and vibrant downtown goes a long way in the health and happiness of those living in and around Albion. The Foundry Bakehouse and Deli is fortunate to be a part of it all.