About Us

We are a cooperative ―a worker-owned and operated business. We make decisions democratically, sharing all of the tasks, responsibilities, benefits and risks. Just as we were supported by many in our establishment here, we hope to provide support to the establishment of future worker-owned businesses.

We help create a sustainable community by donating to organizations such as Emeryville Senior Center, Rubicon Programs and Food not Bombs, among others. We’ve also participated in global relief efforts such as fundraising for the Japanese earthquake victims. Our bakery serves as a meeting place and focal point of our neighborhood, existing to strengthen community bonds and serve a neighborhood with precious few eating options besides fast food.

Arizmendi History

Arizmendi is the shortened name of Jose Maria Arizmendiarrieta, a young priest who inspired and helped found the Mondragon Cooperatives in the Basque Country of Spain. What started as one firm and roughly 25 people in 1956 is now a major international business with a work force of 34,000, employed in some 100 worker-owned enterprises and affiliated organizations. These cooperatives continue to be inspired by Arizmendi’s belief that worker ownership and participation in the workplace should be an integral part of a just and democratic society.