At the start of August, Spread The Loaves Bakery was preparing to branch out with a new deli concept that was expected to launch about 100 feet away from the bread business, but weeks later, health concerns have led the Helotes bakeshop to slow its roll.
On Wednesday, August 27, Spread The Loaves Bakery shared an update on Facebook about its previously announced concept, Spread The Loaves Market & Deli. In the post, the bakery explained that it is pausing plans to open a standalone deli due to chef Justin Sparkman’s battle with Crohn’s disease.
“Justin has been working tirelessly to get Spread The Loaves Market & Deli ready for all of you despite not being in remission any longer. However, with very heavy hearts, we are here to announce we are not going to be able to bring that vision to you just yet,” the business wrote in the Facebook post.
Spread The Loaves Bakery clarified that the deli’s proposed offerings are still on the way but will be served within the existing bakery space instead of a separate storefront. MySA reached out to Sparkman and owner and baker Sophie Jeffery to find out more about what they have planned for the future.
“I’m really glad we have been able to find a way to ensure he can do what he loves when he is able to do so without adding the pressure of keeping another business running when he is unwell. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from our partnership, it’s how to pivot and adapt!” Jeffery said in an email to MySA.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract and can cause pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition, among other symptoms. Sparkman told MySA that, despite his health issues, he is looking forward to bringing the sandwich shop concept to life in a different capacity.
“Although I have had many setbacks throughout, this one being one of the most difficult since I began this journey, I do believe there is a reason I am still standing,” Sparkman said.
In his response to MySA, Sparkman thanked the team at Spread the Loaves, his wife and family, and The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, driving home that there are resources out there for himself and others dealing with Crohn’s.
“Although the pain and issues I deal with can be overwhelming, I always know that I have a huge community behind me, praying, comforting, and holding me up when I just want to fall,” Sparkman said. “I cannot wait to be able to get back into the kitchen to make some nourishing vittles for our community!”