40 Under Forty: Alexis Kelleher, 28

Photo | Erika Sidor Winners of the 2018 WBJ 40 Under Forty award (from left): Alexis Kelleher, Erin Jansky, Bonnie J. Walker and Tom Lubelczyk

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Owner

Crust Bakeshop and North Main Provisions, Worcester

Lives: Worcester

Birthplace: Worcester

Colleges: Wellesley College, New England Culinary Institute

Kelleher, whose family owns George's Coney Island, was just 27 when she bought Crust Bake Shop from her boss last year, after starting as a baker in 2014. She entered the baking world after she graduated with an English degree from Wellesley College, taking a four-month baking class in Vermont and moving to Charlottesville, Va. for a baking externship. Now, Crust supplies bread to Worcester restaurants like deadhorse hill and Armsby Abbey, and her goal is to elevate the thriving Worcester foodie scene with her baked goods. Last month, Kelleher opened North Main Provisions, an artisan wine-and-cheese shop next door to Crust after a consignment store moved out of the space at the beginning of the year. Through the shop, she offers a variety of local food items, supporting local businesses. Kelleher volunteers and donates gift cards or gift baskets to organizations like Abby's House, Worcester Art Museum and UMass Memorial's Cancer Walk. Leftover bread is routinely donated to shelters.

From 40 Under Forty judge Milka Njoroge: “Alexis is a successful business owner at a young age who is generous and committed to the community.”

Where would you like to travel? Italy. I am enjoying lots of exported foods from Italy, and I have heard everything is more beautiful and delicious when you actually have it there!

Which movie character is most like you? Mary Poppins. I subconsciously live by lessons in that film. As a baker, a spoonful of sugar (or a chocolate chip cookie) is enough to get me through the day with a smile on my face!

Read about the entire 2018 Class of 40 Under Forty.

Michael Alden - Ascentria Care Alliance

Che Anderson - City of Worcester

Victor M. Archila - VMA Electric Inc.

Allison Beckler, DO - YOU, Inc.

Sam Bitar - Webster Five

Mark A. Borenstein - Seder & Chandler LLP

Kate D. Campanale - Massachusetts House of Representatives

Derek Canton - paerpay

Ryan Canuel - Petricore, Inc.

Jennifer Caron - Body Therapeutics

Danielle J. Clark - Clark Career Coaching