Razava Bread Co Recognized with Retail Innovation Award
2026-2027 Minnesota's Retail Champion Awards
St. Paul, MN (October 1, 2026) – Minnesota Retailers is proud to honor Razava Bread Co. with the Retail Innovation award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.
Razava Bread Co. is a St. Paul bakery and retail concept that combines more than 130 years of Baldinger family baking history with a fresh approach to old-world artisan bread. Founder Steve Baldinger and founding baker Omri Zin-Tamir opened Razava in 2024 near the neighborhood where Henry Baldinger began baking in 1888. Inspired by a historic Eastern European bread once produced by Baldinger Bakery, Razava uses traditional ingredients, patient preparation and careful technique to create sourdough breads, bagels, baguettes and flatbreads with distinctive flavors and textures. By connecting historical research and four generations of baking knowledge with an inviting, consumer-facing experience, Razava has created a bakery concept rooted in tradition but built for modern customers.
“Razava Bread Co. shows that retail innovation can come from looking back as well as looking forward,” said Bruce Nustad, president of Minnesota Retailers. “By combining generations of baking expertise with historical research, craftsmanship and a compelling customer experience, Razava is bringing forgotten flavors and traditions to life for a new generation. The result is an original and memorable concept that invites customers to discover the stories behind their food. We are proud to recognize Razava Bread Co. with the Retail Innovation Award.”
“We are honored to receive the Retail Innovation Award,” said Alex Baldinger, brand and operations manager for Razava Bread Co. “Razava was created to bring old-world breads, flavors and traditions into a modern setting where people can experience and enjoy them together. This recognition celebrates the research, experimentation and craftsmanship our team puts into every detail, as well as the generations of baking knowledge that made Razava possible. We are proud to carry that history forward while creating new traditions for our customers and community.”
Razava Bread Co. team members will accept the award at Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event—held at Brookview in Golden Valley—will feature an insightful keynote presentation from University of St. Thomas Associate Professor Seth Ketron, Ph.D., titled “AI in the Customer Journey: Real Insights for Retail Leaders.” For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com.
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About Minnesota Retailers: Minnesota Retailers is a non-profit association formed to improve communities through a holistic investment in retail, representing small, regional, and national retailers. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for businesses, employees, consumers, and policymakers. Our vision is to be the driving force in the evolution of the state's retail landscape through advocacy, valuable insights, and championing innovation. More at www.mnretail.org.
