From California Post · · 2m
The Olympian baking for LA28
Jeanette Bolden-Pickens wants her historic South LA bakery in the Olympic Village when the Games return to Los Angeles.
In brief
Jeanette Bolden-Pickens wants her historic South LA bakery in the Olympic Village when the Games return to Los Angeles. LA28 could give small local businesses a rare global stage, if they apply early and prepare like the moment is theirs to win. Originally reported by California Post.
LA28 meets South LA
Jeanette Bolden-Pickens sees the 2028 Olympics as a once-in-a-generation opening for neighborhood businesses like her 27th Street Bakery.
“We have a tremendous opportunity with LA28.”
A huge local prize
A new analysis says the Games could bring $20.5 billion to $40.6 billion in output across Greater LA and support up to 224,000 jobs.
Contracts stay close
LA28 has pledged to spend 75% of contract dollars in Greater LA, with 25% reserved for small businesses.
She wants in
Bolden-Pickens wants her family’s pies served where the world will gather, including the Olympic Village.
“Why can’t my products be right there in the Olympic Village?”
Vendors can apply
LA28 has opened food vendor applications for competition and non-competition venues. Hundreds of vendors are expected to be selected.
“Just give us an opportunity”
Training the kitchen
She is preparing the bakery with the same discipline she once brought to the track, pushing the pies to be ready for 2028.
“I’m trying to put my products into a position where it’s the best that it could possibly be”
Gold on home turf
At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she won gold in the women’s 4x100 relay before a hometown crowd that included her family.
“I’m here for a job”
A family anchor
After growing up in Compton, studying at Fullerton College, CSUN and UCLA, and coaching for 27 years, the bakery stayed central to her life.
“The bakery’s always been a part of my life and my whole family’s life”
Recipes from Louisiana
Her grandparents, Harry and Sadie Patterson, came west with family recipes in 10 tin cans and built a Central Avenue spot known for pies and cakes.
Built by warm pies
The bakery grew after her mother won over Ralphs executives by passing around fresh pies. Today it supplies more than 120 stores and restaurants.
“After that, it was over. We were in Ralphs”
Legacy in a slice
If Olympians visit during the Games, Bolden-Pickens knows the order: a fresh slice of sweet potato pecan pie from 27th Street Bakery.
“We put the home back in homemade.”
In short
LA28 could give small local businesses a rare global stage, if they apply early and prepare like the moment is theirs to win.
