“Begin with good elements, and the rest falls into place” is the mantra of Cindy Wright, owner of Elemental Bakery & Coffeehouse, who is opening her first brick-and-mortar space at 3875 Steele St., Suite 1143 at York Street Yards, on December 18. Focusing on specialty coffees and artisanal baked goods that are skillfully prepared using local and sustainable ingredients, this new concept honors principles that were established many years prior.
Those in the community know Wright for her coffee trailer, Beeler Perk, which she operated in the Central Park neighborhood between 2021-2023. First focused solely on coffee, customers started recommending she connect with Sani Obhodas, the “Bosnian Baker,” to offer baked goods. At the time, Obhodas was focused on producing artisanal sourdough loaves, but started making scones, cinnamon rolls and muffins for Wright’s customers. They sold out every day.
When Wright found her current 2,500-square-foot shop in York Street Yards, she knew she wanted more than just coffee in the space and approached Obhodas again. This time, it was very intentional, not a second thought.
“At many places, either coffee or baked goods come second. Here, they both come first,” said Wright. “What sets us apart is our determination to provide the best offerings and a consistent product. We’re both very driven by the science behind each of our crafts.”
Wright has been working with bld studio and Division One Construction to design and construct a modern and sleek space to contrast the industrial look and feel of the building, and, like Sani, is inspired by European culture. “I want it to be a welcoming space where people start their day with coffee and a newspaper (or phone) and come back again later for an afternoon refresher,” said Wright.
Obhodas was born in Bosnia, moved to California in 1997 and settled in Denver in 2015. His baking journey began in 2018 after spending several weeks in Europe and feeling inspired by the bakeries, breads and pastries he found on every corner.
The bakery program at Elemental will start with croissants, scones, muffins, baklava and bagels. Lunch items include a Jambon-Beurre, Elemental Panino, Cheese Pita, Meat Pita or Burek, and croissant sandwiches. A variety of loaves will also be available, including baguettes, multigrain and pain de mie.
“Eventually, I want to bring in Bosnian pastries and cuisine,” said Obhodas. “We’re starting with a simple menu and growing from there based on what the community wants.”
The coffee menu features Queen City Coffee beans, including a custom Elemental espresso blend, which Wright will use for specialty coffees and seasonal drinks. A rotating pour over will highlight other local roasters. In season with the upcoming winter launch, Wright will offer a Sweet Potato Latte and Maple Bourbon Latte, both popular flavors with her former customers.
York Street Yards’ coffee counter will be open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bakery retail will be offered Thursday through Saturday, with the potential to expand.
