Napa Valley’s Model Bakery will open its much-anticipated Walnut Creek outpost the second week of October, making it easier than ever for Bay Area fans to get their hands on the bakery’s signature export: the English muffins that Oprah Winfrey has repeatedly declared her favorite.

Fried in clarified butter, rather than baked, the famous muffins have made Oprah’s annual “Favorite Things” list four times. They’re buttery and crispy on the outside and pillowy within, with a chewy, ciabatta-like texture — and they’re a delightful base for breakfast sandwiches.

The new 5,000-square-foot bakery and kitchen has boosted owner Sarah Mitchell Hansen’s hopes to expand the bakery’s wholesale English muffin offerings to Berkeley Bowl, Whole Foods and other Bay Area markets.

English muffins at Model Bakery’s new location in downtown Walnut Creek, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group) 

The original Model Bakery opened in St. Helena in 1908, but began a new era when baker Karen Mitchell bought it in 1984. Her daughter, Sarah, grew up at the bakery and took over the reins when Mitchell retired about 20 years ago — though Mitchell, now in her 80s, can still be found in the bakery’s kitchen on occasion, Hansen says. The bakery now has locations in Napa’s Oxbow Market and Yountville as well.

Walnut Creek visitors will be able to watch English muffins and other delights being made through a large window near the entrance. The bakery will offer plenty of pastries, coffee from Caffe Vita and 10 different breakfast sandwiches. Expect to see a seasonal lunch menu and beverages ranging from fresh juices to beer and wine — from Napa, of course.

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Walnut Creek residents were some of the most frequent customers at the Napa Valley bakeries, Hansen says, and the expansion will let her meet her wine country visitors on their home turf.

A view of the dining area at Model Bakery’s new location in downtown Walnut Creek, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group) 

After nearly three years of renovations, the new space incorporates elegant touches designed by Richard Von Saal, from Napa’s VonSaal Design Build studio, including a chandelier made of kitchen utensils, black-and-white checkerboard floor tile and a large walnut table inspired by Walnut Creek.

“I’ve invested a lot into this building,” Hansen says, “and I think we’re going to be here a long time.”

Details: 1315 N. Main St., Walnut Creek; themodelbakery.com.

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