Don Guerra

Barrio Bread

2024 Good Food Forum + Expo Keynote Speaker

Don Guerra uses flour and water to build connections, to make the world a better place. When Guerra founded Barrio Bread he had a vision to revive native and heritage varieties of grains in order to build a sustainable grain economy in southern Arizona. Today, his bakery is a model for the future.

Guerra unites regional farmers and millers in bringing healthy whole grains, flours, and breads to consumers, expanding the meaning of Tucson’s gastronomy. With his unique, naturally fermented breads he promotes biodiversity and drought tolerance, and enhances the nutrition and flavor profiles of the regional food supply.

Guerra has won numerous awards, including the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker. He shares his knowledge through interactive workshops and in the classroom with school children, at Tucson Village Farm and the University of Arizona. He collaborates with brewers, restaurateurs, and retailers to bring new foods and drinks to life. It is his vision for the future that not only bakers but all food producers and chefs source a diverse array of sustainable ingredients from their local area, to sustain the global environment and the local economy.