Rustica Bakery & Café is holding a soft open today—Thursday, November 20—until 2 p.m. at 795 E. Lake Street, offering Wayzata an early taste of one of the Twin Cities’ most admired bakeries. The café officially opens tomorrow morning, Friday, November 21, at 7am marking a homecoming for Chef and Partner Mike DeCamp, who grew up just blocks from Lake Minnetonka and now returns as the local leader behind Rustica’s newest location.
“I grew up out here across from Bell Park,” DeCamp said. “I went to Widsten Elementary School… I was in like sixth grade when Gleason Lake Elementary opened.” He eventually attended West Middle School and the former Wayzata High School, now Central Middle School. “That’s where I grew up,” he said.
From Dishwashing in Wayzata to Leading a Regional Hospitality Group
DeCamp’s start in the food world began in town. “A family member of mine was a server at a pizzeria called Latuff’s… I was like 13, 14, and a dishwasher there,” he said. He later worked at another restaurant—today the McCormick’s location—before moving into Minneapolis kitchens. “I ended up going downtown, and worked at a bunch of restaurants downtown.”
His career changed direction in 2015 when he partnered with Brent Frederick, founder and CEO of Jester Concepts, the hospitality group known for Borough, Parlour, PS Steak, and Butcher & the Boar. The partnership eventually led to acquiring Rustica. “We finalized the purchase of Rustica… we bought it from the old owner Greg Hoyt,” DeCamp said. “I have loved Rustica since it opened… and now I’m very, very glad to be a part of it and expand the brand.”
Rustica’s pastry and bread program continues to be led in Minneapolis by Executive Pastry Chef Shawn McKenzie, a former James Beard Award finalist. The Wayzata café will operate under Jester Concepts with DeCamp at the helm.
Continuing a Nearly 100-Year Bakery Legacy on Lake Street
Rustica’s opening connects to almost a century of bakery tradition along Lake Street—even though the exact storefronts have shifted over time.
- Wayzata Bakery served the community during the World War II era.
- It became Olson’s Bakery, beloved for 45 years.
- Wuollet Bakery took over the former Olson’s space in 1991.
- Wuollet later moved across Lake Street into the space at 795 E. Lake Street, operating there until 2024.
- With Wuollet’s departure, Rustica now steps into the same location.
“There’s a little bit of a lineage,” DeCamp said. “It’s a good bakery history… so we hope we can keep it going.”
Operated by Jester Concepts, Founded by Brent Frederick
The Wayzata café is operated by Jester Concepts, the Minneapolis hospitality group known for Borough, Parlour, PS Steak, and Butcher & the Boar. The company is led by founder and CEO Brent Frederick, who has overseen the group’s expansion into Wayzata and its partnership with Rustica.
In earlier coverage from Minnesota Monthly, Frederick addressed the importance of restoring a bakery presence downtown. In that article, he said, “When Wuollet Bakery and Penny’s Coffee closed, it left a noticeable gap in the community. We feel there’s a strong demand for Rustica’s offerings and we’re thrilled to provide a new gathering space for the neighborhood.”
Pastry Leadership by James Beard Finalist Shawn McKenzie
Rustica’s renowned pastry program continues to be led by Shawn McKenzie, Rustica’s Executive Pastry Chef and a former James Beard Award finalist. As reported by Eater Twin Cities, pastries and breads will continue to be produced in Rustica’s Minneapolis facility to maintain quality and consistency.
What to Expect
“There’s no place like us out here,” DeCamp said. Rustica will bring its signature baked goods, a thoughtful coffee and tea program, and a welcoming environment built for work, conversation, and community. “We take pride in what we do,” he said. “We care a lot about the coffee… free Wi-Fi, come in, work, do your stuff.”
He also noted the demand for a true morning gathering spot in downtown Wayzata. “There really hasn’t been a place to meet for a cup of coffee,” he said. “I’m sure you guys will get run over for that.”
What’s Coming Friday
The Wayzata location will feature:
- Rustica’s signature laminated pastries, morning buns, and bittersweet-chocolate cookies
- An expanded savory menu created for the Wayzata market
- Coffee service and indoor seating, with outdoor patio potential in warmer months
With the holiday season underway and Lake Street buzzing with seasonal events, the new Rustica café is poised to become an immediate gathering place for morning coffee, weekend pastries, and lunch by the lake—continuing the bakery tradition that has shaped downtown Wayzata for nearly 100 years.
