Proof Bread launches fundraiser for new home in downtown Mesa

Proof Bread, a nationally recognized bakery operating out of a northeast Mesa garage, is trying to move into a commercial space in downtown Mesa.

Jared Allen, who was working as a carpet cleaning and baking bread in his garage as a hobby, started Proof in 2014 and quickly became a fixture at Valley restaurants, shops, and farmers markets.

He moved to Massachusetts in 2017, selling the bakery to customers Amanda Abou-Eid and Jonathan Przybyl and training them.

Under Arizona’s Cottage Law, Abou-Eid and Przybyl ran Proof out of their garage until earlier this year, when a complaining neighbor pointed out a city law prohibiting non-resident employees in Proof’s zoning district.

Abou-Eid and Przybyl have found a space in downtown Mesa – right next to the recently opened Chiwas Tacos – but need $250,000 for renovations. They must move out of the garage by mid-January.

A GoFundMe campaign already has raised more than $65,000. You can get more info here.