For nearly two decades, Dan Proctor has been the heart and soul of Positively 3rd Street Bakery, yet he humbly identifies as “a worker.” This worker-owned cooperative, established in 1983, stands as a testament to community spirit, offering wholesome breads and cookies at prices that welcome everyone. Positively 3rd Street Bakery isn’t just a bakery; it’s a Duluth institution built on principles of shared work and accessible quality.
Dan Proctor of Positively 3rd Street Bakery
While not certified organic, Positively 3rd Street Bakery is deeply committed to ingredient integrity. “We use organic products when we can, but it’s about finding the right balance between organic and affordable,” Proctor explains. This philosophy ensures that quality doesn’t come at an exorbitant price. They utilize canola oil exclusively and sweeten their treats with molasses and honey from local Bar Bell Bee Ranch, opting for natural alternatives to refined sugar. The foundation of their baked goods lies in the flour from Great River Organic Milling, sourced from the rich farmlands of Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas, emphasizing their commitment to regional and quality sourcing.
The bakery’s story is as rich as its flavors. In 1983, Positively 3rd Street Bakery found its home in a building with baking heritage, previously occupied by New Haven Bakery, a Seventh-Day Adventist establishment. Its location, a stone’s throw from 4th Street and Bob Dylan Way, inspired its name, playfully nodding to Dylan’s iconic “Positively 4th Street.” However, as Proctor points out, the bakery’s ethos is far removed from the song’s cynicism, focusing instead on crafting delightful products with a positive mission. Their menu is a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, preserving cherished recipes from New Haven Bakery while continuously introducing new creations. Daily offerings include Dan’s Macaroons, the aptly named Mocha Madness Cookies, and the legendary Thunder Cookies, alongside sourdough bread nurtured from a starter culture over twenty years old. The Thunder Cookie, a hearty concoction that marries the best of peanut butter, oatmeal, and chocolate chip cookies, has become a local legend, substantial enough to serve as a satisfying midday meal.
Exterior of Positively 3rd Street Bakery in Duluth, MN
“We specialize in sliced, sandwich-ready bread,” Proctor shares, highlighting a core offering that caters to daily needs. Using repurposed banana boxes for shipping, their breads reach the Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth, Seward Co-op, Mississippi Markets, Hard Times Cafe, and numerous other outlets, extending their reach throughout the community and beyond. Check out their wholesale locations to find Positively 3rd Street Bakery near you. Proctor proudly states, “We make the best bread for the price,” emphasizing their dedication to value. Their cooperative structure resonates with many co-ops who choose to stock their products, recognizing a shared commitment to ethical business practices. The bakery’s twelve owners are vested with equity as part of their compensation, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. Departing owners are fairly compensated for their equity, transitioning out of management roles. “Being self-managed is a fascinating journey,” Proctor reflects. He contrasts traditional education, which often focuses on managing others, with their self-management model. Through group meetings, the team collaboratively manages scheduling, building improvements, recipe development, conflict resolution, and even philanthropic donations. In a unique approach to marketing, Positively 3rd Street Bakery has significantly reduced advertising expenses, choosing instead to allocate funds to community donations, viewing it as a way to give back and spread awareness about their products organically. “We can’t support every cause, but we strive to support as much as we can,” Proctor affirms, showcasing their community-centric approach.
For Dan Proctor, Positively 3rd Street Bakery transcends the typical workplace; it’s an integral part of Duluth’s community fabric. Every Sunday, the bakery extends its community outreach by gifting free cookies to children and offering “distressed bread” – day-old loaves, perfectly suited for freezing – at a reduced price of $1.25 per pound, down from the usual $2.50. This weekly event draws lines out the door, a testament to the bakery’s beloved status and commitment to accessibility. Proctor reflects on the changing times, “I believe that bread should be baked at home, and I wish people would… but they are busy, and that’s why we’re here.” Positively 3rd Street Bakery fills a vital role in modern life, providing quality, affordable baked goods for a busy community.
Must-Try: The legendary Thunder Cookie
Visit Positively 3rd Street Bakery in Duluth, MN:
1202 E 3rd St, Duluth, MN 55805
Call: 218.724.8619
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 11am-4pm
Owners: A dedicated team including Paul Steklinski (Since 1983), Dan Proctor (Since early 80s), and many more contributing to its ongoing success.
