Fresh Friendly Flavorful Francisco’s
Francisco Mejia's beloved Kennewick bakery is home to smiling faces and a melting pot of flavors.
Nestled in the heart of Kennewick, Francisco’s Bakery has become a beloved spot for locals seeking delicious pastries and friendly vibes. Known for its mouthwatering donuts, pastries, and traditional Mexican baked goods, the bakery is a true community hub where flavors from around the world meet.
“They’re just delicious donuts and pastries,” said one customer, when the Washington Grown team visited Francisco’s in Season 11. “There’s something about these donuts that are just unique. If you’re looking for something sweet and delicious, you’re in the right place.”
It’s clear why they keep coming back. Francisco Mejia, the bakery’s owner, offers a wide range of treats, ensuring there’s something for everyone. “We have a lot of different choices for people to come in and taste,” he said. “We have our traditional conchas. We have cortadillo, which is a cake with buttercream and icing. We have pumpkin empanadas. We have apple fritters. We try to do lots of varieties for all the tastes.”
The result of all that selection is that Francisco’s Bakery attracts a diverse customer base. “We cater to the Hispanic community, and the Anglo community, and everything in between,” Francisco explained. “Our community here is a lot of ethnicities, people from different countries — it’s a melting pot. We see people from banks, factories, and towing companies. This morning, we had eight police cars parked in front. They were all in here eating our stuff,” he said with a smile.
For many locals, Francisco’s Bakery has become part of their daily routine. One regular customer shared, “Every day before work, I just stop by to get a coffee and a good donut. It’s just a friendly atmosphere, friendly vibes, and delicious treats.”
Francisco’s passion for baking is clear, and it’s part of the bakery’s appeal in the community. Customers get a smile or a laugh from Francisco or his team to go along with the delicious pastries. That friendly spirit is often mentioned in reviews on TripAdvisor, where Francisco’s is consistently rated as the best bakery in Kennewick.
“I love what I do. And when you see people who are pleased with the stuff you do, that really fills your cup, and you feel happy about what you’re doing,” said Francisco. “And that’s what it’s all about. I love baking. I’ve been baking for a long time, and for me, it’s fun. There’s a lot to love.”
Francisco and his team pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients like blueberries and apples in their creations. The area around the Tri-Cities is some of the most productive agricultural land in the state, and Francisco is able to source his fresh fruits from farmers markets and co-ops all year round.
With such dedication to quality and community, it’s no wonder that Francisco’s Bakery has earned a special place in the hearts of Kennewick residents.
