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Dough, Dedication & Deutschland Delights

Sitting Down with Rheinlander Bakery

Article by Valerie Bianculli

Photography by Rachel Audette, The Turquoise Camera

Originally published in Arvada Lifestyle

This month we are taking you behind the scenes of a beloved establishment that has been captivating taste buds and warming the hearts of our community for years – Rheinlander Bakery. Owned by Loren and Luke Naftz, Rheinlander Bakery is where tradition and innovation collide in a symphony of traditional, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and sugar-free delights.

The story behind Rheinlander Bakery is just as heartwarming as its freshly baked treats. Loren Naftz had worked as Rheinlander’s production manager for nearly 9 years before Ed and Maro Dimmer, the owners at the time, decided to retire. Her journey began in 2021 when she and her husband acquired the bakery and since then the Naftz family has continued a legacy as well as introduced some innovative additions to their menu to accommodate a wide range of customers. Family recipes and new creations intertwine creating an abundance of tasty treats to tantalize your taste buds.

One of the defining features of Rheinlander Bakery is its commitment to offering so many different options on their menu. In a world where dietary restrictions can sometimes limit indulgence, Loren and Luke have made it their mission to ensure that everyone can enjoy the magic of freshly baked pastries, regardless of their dietary needs. Whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, sugar-free or simply looking for a tasty treat without any restriction, Rheinlander has a little something for everyone.

Their gluten-free menu is nothing short of impressive and it comes as no shock since they began production on this menu back in 2002 when Maro was diagnosed with Celiac disease. From bread to pastries, and even wedding cakes, Rheinlander Bakery has mastered the art of gluten-free baking. Choose from items such as gluten-free eclairs, cupcakes, biscotti, sticky buns and more. Their techniques are tried and true and made with wholesome ingredients and precision. In fact, these menu additions actually rival many of their traditional offerings.

The treats at Rheinlander Bakery extend far beyond the basics. Delicate, flaky pastries filled with fruit compote or rich chocolate ganache grace the display case, proving that dietary restrictions shouldn't mean compromising taste or quality. Their decadent German chocolate cake, with layers of chocolate sponge cake and coconut pecan icing is a showstopper and keeps patrons coming back for more. 

In addition to this, Rheinlander Bakery remains deeply committed to preserving the essence of German baking and staying true to the roots of the business which opened its doors in 1963. The aroma of buttery strudels and sugar cookies transports customers directly to the heart of Germany. For Fall, make sure to check out their festive Halloween treats such as skeleton sugar cookies and flavorful coffee brews. Inside, the bakery offers a cozy ambiance, adorned with wooden accents and vintage décor.

Rheinlander Bakery has become a cherished part of the Arvada community, where locals gather to celebrate milestones, indulge in sweet cravings, and enjoy the warmth of family traditions. In addition to this, they are no stranger to showing love and appreciation for their local community. This past September, a special menu of cupcakes was created to benefit the Arvada Community Table for their Feeding the Future program. The mission of this program is to provide meals for kids and teens in the community. Loren and Luke’s dedication to their craft, their community, and their innovative menu make Rheinlander a destination worth savoring. Whether you have a dietary restriction or are simply in search of delicious baked goods, Rheinlander promises an experience that will leave your taste buds singing with delight.

Whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, sugar-free or simply looking for a tasty treat without any restriction, Rheinlander has a little something for everyone.

Businesses featured in this article