Side Yard Bakery LLC

Andrew grew up in Pennsylvania but has spent most of his life in the Grand Rapids area. Baked goods have always played a meaningful role in his life, especially as he navigated obesity and gastrointestinal challenges from a young age. In 2021, he set out to understand food and its impact on his overall well‑being. Through major lifestyle changes, he lost 80 pounds and discovered a deep passion for healthy living. Today, he coaches individuals who want to build healthier habits and improve their quality of life.

During his own health journey, Andrew followed a gluten‑free diet for several years. Eventually, he realized that gluten wasn’t the issue — the quality of many commercial ingredients was. That insight reshaped how he approached food and inspired his commitment to using high‑quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients in everything he bakes.

In 2025, Andrew left his day job to pursue baking full‑time, blending his family’s legacy, his personal transformation, and his desire to nourish others through food.

At Side Yard Bakery, he offers a wide variety of made‑to‑order goods and stays true to his mission of using natural ingredients while avoiding artificial additives, bio‑engineered ingredients, and dyes. From artisan sourdoughs to customizable cupcakes and ready‑to‑top focaccia pizza crusts, he crafts every item fresh in small batches under the Michigan Cottage Food Law.