Competitive triathletes and passionate bakers, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald left their careers to open a small bread shop in New York City in 1995 Levain Bakery. One day, they baked a BIG chocolate chip walnut cookie as energy for triathlon training. At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from around the world, hungry for the cookie. From the start, Pam, Connie, and the team baked everything fresh on-site each day, donating the days leftovers to charity and we still do, nearly 30 years later. Today, Levain has bakeries across the country (with more to come!), plus ecommerce gift boxes to treat cookie lovers in every state. Our Vision: To give rise to lifelong memories Our Mission: To bring together people who treat their work and the craft of baking and all who come to visit with great care. Every day, we strive to embody our ...