FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Candace Hamana | Badger PR
Candace@HelloBadgerPR.com
AVONDALE, Ariz. (October 20, 2026) — Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery, the growing Arizona
bakery and cafe brand founded by Hopi entrepreneur Chef Nick, will celebrate the grand
opening of its newest location in Avondale on Thursday, November 5, beginning at 10 a.m. The
community is invited to join the celebration featuring local elected officials, family-friendly
activities and special children’s activities and storytime.
The celebration will begin with remarks from Avondale Mayor Mike Pineda and other local
elected officials from 10 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and additional
grand-opening activities. Guests are invited to explore the new cafe and enjoy special
giveaways throughout the celebration, including complimentary pastries, gift cards, drink
coupons and other fun surprises.
Founded by Chef Nick, Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery continues to expand its footprint across
Arizona. The Avondale cafe will become the company’s third full-service cafe, joining its existing
Glendale and Mesa locations, along with a grab-and-go concept near the Glendale location.
With additional locations planned for Prescott, Flagstaff and Southern California, the business is
building on its success while maintaining the family-centered approach and welcoming
atmosphere that have become hallmarks of the Blue Corn experience.
“Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery has always been about more than good food. It’s about creating a
place where people feel welcome and connected,” said Chef Nick, founder of Blue Corn Cafe &
Bakery. “As we’ve grown, it’s been rewarding to see other families become part of what we’ve
built. Opening in Avondale is especially meaningful, and we’re excited to welcome the West
Valley community into the Blue Corn family.”
The grand opening will also feature children’s activities and storytime at 12:30 p.m. with
Shannon LaRance, founder of So’oh Storytime, an online bookstore and storytelling platform
that celebrates Native American authors and illustrators.
LaRance has built a growing digital community through her YouTube channel, which has
approximately 13,000 subscribers. Through storytelling and her online bookstore, she helps
connect children and families with books that reflect Native cultures, experiences and
perspectives.The collaboration between Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery and So’oh Storytime highlights the
contributions of Native entrepreneurs and creates an opportunity for families to gather, connect
and celebrate the opening of a new neighborhood business.
Grand Opening Details
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery – Avondale
10575 Indian School Rd., E-115
Avondale, Arizona 85392
Schedule of Events
• 10–10:30 a.m. — Welcome and remarks from Avondale Mayor Mike Pineda and local elected officials
• 10:30 a.m. — Ribbon cutting and community celebration
• 12:30 p.m. — Children’s Storytime with Shannon LaRance of So’oh Storytime.
The grand opening is open to the public.
About Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery
Founded by Hopi entrepreneur Chef Nick, Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery is an Arizona-grown bakery
and cafe known for its handcrafted baked goods, artisan breads and welcoming neighborhood
atmosphere. With locations in Glendale, Mesa and now Avondale, as well as a grab-and-go
concept, the business continues to expand through a combination of family involvement and a
lot of hard work. Additional Arizona locations are planned for Prescott and Flagstaff.
For more information, visit www.bluecorncafebakery.com.
About So’oh Storytime
Founded by Shannon LaRance, So’oh Storytime is an online bookstore and digital storytelling
platform that connects children and families with books by Native American authors and
illustrators. Through engaging read-aloud videos and curated book selections, LaRance
promotes literacy, cultural representation and the joy of storytelling. Her YouTube channel
reaches an audience of approximately 13,000 subscribers.
For more information, visit www.Soohstorytime.com.
