Alex Croci, a third-year food sciences student at Oregon State University, has been running his own bread-making and delivery service since February of 2024 out of his kitchen. 

Croci’s service provides homemade sourdough bread to students all across OSU’s campus. This service specifically caters to those who want access to fresh bread without the additives typically found in store-bought bread, with a simple recipe consisting of water, yeast, flour and salt. 

“(Baking) brings me back in the moment,” Croci said.

Initially, Croci began making sourdough for his own enjoyment in August of 2023 as a hobby and a way to relax. 

With the help of his brother, graphic designer Street Croci and his design company, Croci developed the posters that can now be seen across campus, and began making and delivering his sourdough in February of 2024. 

Croci began selling bread to give himself an opportunity to bake more often, make some money, and create a network on campus of people who enjoy supporting local farms. 

Croci prioritizes using locally-sourced ingredients in his baking, and creating a product that can be enjoyed by those who want to eat local food. 

“When I got to Oregon State, I learned more about where our food comes from … and the distance between the consumer and the product was very appalling to me,” Croci said. 

Though his business went on a brief hiatus last term due to his 18-credit course load, Croci is back for winter term, and hopes to continue cooking and adding to his service as he continues to make bread. He hopes to partner with local farmers, teach people how to make their own bread, and add more items to his menu. 

“I just want to continue making food for people,” Croci said. 

Though his service does not have a name, Croci said that he is now known by some of his fellow students as “the bread guy” due to his business. 

Croci’s business and cooking can be found on Instagram at Optimistikitchen, where inquiries about his business can be made.