Chris Connors and the Story Behind Bonrue Bakery
If you want to understand Bonrue Bakery St. George, you need to hear Chris Connors’ story. It is funny, heartfelt, and shows why this bakery feels like more than just a place for pastries.
From Las Vegas to St. George
Chris tells a story that sums up his personality perfectly. While staying in Las Vegas, he used Bonrue pastries to get a hotel room upgrade. It’s a lighthearted moment but shows the pride he takes in the bakery.
The bigger change came in 2019. Chris and his family moved to St. George for a better environment for their kids. During COVID, parks in Las Vegas were taped off. St. George, by contrast, felt open, clean, and welcoming. For him, moving wasn’t just about business. It was about family, values, and lifestyle.
How the Bakery Almost Didn’t Happen
Bonrue Bakery started as a happy accident. Chris originally planned a taco shop with a doughnut concept. Then a ventilation issue forced a sudden change.
Instead of scrapping the plan, Chris and world-class baker Chris Herren decided to open a bakery. What was meant as a workaround became Farmstead, a project that quickly outgrew its original scope.
Growing, Expanding, and Rebranding
Farmstead quickly gained a following. Locations opened in St. George, Hurricane, and Springdale. A commercial baking facility in Leeds helped maintain quality as demand grew.
A trademark issue with a Napa winery led to a rebrand. Bonrue Bakery was born. The name means good place, which fits perfectly. Chris wanted the bakery to feel like a community staple, somewhere people keep returning.
Community, Jobs, and Opportunity
Chris talks a lot about community and growth. He highlights walkable neighborhoods and downtown density.
Bonrue Bakery St. George now provides about 100 jobs. They recruit bakers from across the country, bringing talent and opportunity to Southern Utah. The bakery is more than pastries. It’s a place that supports people and families.
Resilience and Legacy
Chris faced a hard moment when his business partner and baker, Chris Herren, passed away during COVID. He almost closed the bakery. What kept Bonrue alive was Herren’s passion and commitment to baking. That spirit still guides the bakery today.
Chris shares a rule from his uncle Gray: anything worth doing will take longer, cost more, and be more frustrating than you expect.
Thoughts on St. George
Chris advises newcomers to research the community. St. George is family-oriented and Christian-focused. He also highlights challenges, like affordable housing, starter homes, and mid-rise rentals, which are important as the city grows.
The Takeaway
Chris Connors is not just running a bakery. He is helping shape the community. From an accidental pivot to a thriving regional brand, Bonrue Bakery St. George reflects the city itself, growing fast, rooted in relationships, and striving to do it right.
Big thanks to the Larkin Group and Chris for publishing this great podcast for us to preview and report on.
