Familia isn’t just at the center of our bakery; it is at the center of our culture. In Mexico, familia extends beyond our parents and siblings to include our cousins, aunts, uncles, abuelas and abuelos. It even extends to our friends and communities, in many instances. When we gather for merienda, a light afternoon meal that often consists of sweet breads, we invite our neighbors, our friends and our family members. Anyone who comes is familia.

Today, as society changes and adapts to a more digital era, people are increasingly living – and dining – on their own. The cultural de la familia philosophy that is so central to De Alba Bakery is stretching even further, and the results are beautiful.

The percentage of single-person households in the United States jumped to 27 percent in 2012 from just 17 percent four years early in 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As a result, solo dining is at a record high in the United States as well, with 57% of meals being eaten alone. While this act was previously seen as sad and taboo, it is now seen as normal and even enjoyable since restaurants around the country are taking steps to make the dining experience more comfortable for solo diners – things like adding in more seating at the bar and training wait-staff to offer a more engaged, personalized experience.

At De Alba Bakery, we haven’t made any changes to our policies. Why? Each guest who enters our door immediately becomes familia and is served with the signature warmth that our patrons have come to cherish.

Diners are never eating alone at De Alba Bakery. They are de la familia.

Solo diners who come to one of our four location are entering a gathering of De Alba Bakery familia members, and are instantly welcomed into the fellowship. Whether guests want artisanal pan dulce made with only the best ingredients like all natural non-processed sugars, or tamales like our abuela used to make them in her kitchen in Mexico years ago, we promise to serve with de la familia love and warmth.