The Art of the Uppercrust Croissant

Every morning, Jef Tonks transforms flour, butter, and time into something extraordinary.

Countless hours of carefully kneading and folding reimagine simple ingredients, elevating them

from dough to delicate layers of golden, flaky perfection. He’s been rising with the dough at

Uppercrust Bakery in Gainesville, Florida, for 9 years. And with each batch, he refines the craft,

proving that the perfect croissant isn’t just baked—it’s mastered.

In a world of mass-produced pastries, there’s something remarkable about a croissant that’s been

shaped by hand, crafted with skill, and perfected through patience. At Uppercrust, having a

croissantier means every pastry is made with intention. It’s why each bite boasts a crisp, golden

shell that gives way to a buttery, airy interior. It’s why their almond croissants are rich but never

heavy, and why their pain au chocolat strikes the perfect harmony between flaky pastry and

smooth, velvety chocolate.

But Uppercrust isn’t just about croissants. It’s about the quiet hum of a bakery before sunrise,

when dough is rolled and shaped in the early morning glow. It’s about the scent of freshly baked

baguettes filling the air, the crackle of a crusty loaf as it’s sliced, the delicate dusting of flour on

a baker’s apron. It’s about the kind of old-world craftsmanship that doesn’t cut corners, because

good things—truly good things—take time.

For over 40 years, Uppercrust has been Gainesville’s go-to for European-style baking, from

rustic country breads to delicate fruit tarts. Whether you’re picking up a warm croissant,

grabbing a fresh loaf for dinner, or treating yourself to something sweet, every bite is a reminder

that some things are meant to be savored.

Here, time isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a philosophy. Every loaf, every pastry, every golden,

flaky croissant is a product of patience, tradition, and an unshakable commitment to craft. And at

the heart of it all is Ben Guzick, a man with a vision.

Ben doesn’t just run a bakery; he carries forward a legacy, ensuring that Uppercrust remains a

cornerstone of the Gainesville community. Inspired by food legends like Alton Brown and

guided by the wisdom of thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, he sees baking as more than a

process—it’s a way of connecting people, of bringing them together over something real.

In an era where speed and convenience reign supreme, Uppercrust is proof that the best things in life are worth the wait.