A History of Blue Baker and the Legacy of James A. Baker in College Station

Blue Baker, a beloved bakery and cafe in College Station, has become synonymous with the town's identity over the past two decades. While the establishment is a contemporary one, founded in 2001, the city itself has a rich history, and its story is intertwined with the legacy of prominent figures such as James A. Baker. This article delves into the history of Blue Baker, the evolution of College Station, and the impact of James A. Baker on the region.

From Humble Beginnings: The Story of Blue Baker

David Fox, a New York native, moved to College Station with his wife when she was accepted to Texas A&M University. Initially, Fox had no intention of building a bakery empire. He admired unique, locally owned restaurants and aimed to create a similar establishment. His original goal for the first Blue Baker on Dominik Drive was simple: to find employment. "I was looking for a job and couldn't find one," Fox said. The vacant building that had previously housed a restaurant presented an opportunity.

The community quickly embraced Fox and his wife, and they started their family in College Station. Soon, the Blue Baker family began to expand. Today, there are four Blue Baker locations: one in Austin and three in College Station. Fox stated that the primary motivation for expansion was to provide opportunities for his valued employees. "We're in no rush to open 100 stores, or anything like that," Fox explained, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a close-knit team.

The second store on University Drive opened four years after the original. This expansion allowed talented employees to gain management experience and earn higher pay. "It's pretty fun to be able to keep people who are fun to work with," Fox said. Francisco, an employee who has been with the company for 15 years, exemplifies this loyalty. Fox and his family still live near the original store in the College Hills community. The community's importance has grown over the years and is now the driving force behind Blue Baker's operations. "It's just a wonderful place to raise a family, and that's what really retained us, is that community aspect," Fox said.

Commitment to Service and Community Engagement

Each Blue Baker store emphasizes exceptional service to both customers and the community. The bakery participates in numerous events, so many that Fox joked, "I have no idea. It's kind of out of control." Blue Baker is involved in various events with different groups every week. This dedication has earned Blue Baker numerous awards, including the Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2017, which recognizes restaurants that demonstrate a commitment to serving their communities through charitable service and philanthropy.

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Since 2007, Blue Baker has partnered with Bryan Broadcasting for Christmas Angels, serving as a collection point for gifts for children in need. The bakery also supports events such as Empty Bowls, Jr., CSISD Foundation Cookie Sale, Voice for Children, Lemonade Day, the Junior League of B/CS's Stuff the Bus, and Books and a Blanket.

While Fox no longer does much baking, his commitment to quality and community remains as strong as when he started. "There's just an amazing sort of ethos of service to others, and that's not normal," Fox said. "That wasn't part of what we understood, and we've learned it from this community. We've embraced it, and now, for us, it's almost more important than what we serve. It's how we serve."

Blue Baker has become an integral part of College Station, with former students and residents often sharing stories of how the restaurants have impacted them. "It's important to us. We really want to be here in 100 years," Fox said. He recounted a story of a PhD candidate at Texas A&M who credited Blue Baker with helping her earn her degree, as she frequently studied and met with classmates at the bakery.

Students often make Blue Baker a go-to destination for work and study, particularly during finals each semester. One year, the WiFi system crashed due to more than 200 users being connected at once. Fox said they've since worked on making sure that doesn't happen again. "As you get older and mature in this business, you expect the unexpected and look forward to what's going to drop out of the sky," said Fox.

College Station: A City Shaped by History and Growth

College Station was incorporated in 1938 and named after the train station that served Texas A&M University. Remarkably, trains still travel the same route today as they did 150 years ago. The city has experienced significant growth and evolution, with various businesses and landmarks shaping its identity.

Historical Landmarks and Transformations

Many long-time residents recall the transformations of familiar locations. The restaurant "Beef 'n' Brew," cobbled together from old railroad buildings and cars, eventually became The Tap, a popular sports bar. Before becoming Chimney Hill, a shopping center, the location was a FedMart. The original Bryan Walmart required the installation of large culverts to span over a watershed.

Other notable establishments from the past include Danver's on Dominik Drive, known for its affordable stuffed loaded baked potatoes, and Youngbloods, a famous fish joint that is now Carney's. The Chinese restaurant in town before Hunan opened was located on South College near Washington (China House?), serving strictly Cantonese fare.

Memories of a Changing Landscape

Residents recall when Rock Prairie Road ended at Victoria Avenue, with just a barrier marking the end of the pavement. The area near Deacon Drive and Welsh Avenue was newly developed in the 1980s. These anecdotes highlight the rapid growth and development of College Station over the years.

Anecdotes of Local Life

Local residents share memories of Tinsley's Chicken on the corner of MLK and Texas Avenue, Wehrman's Cafeteria on 25th Street (now William Joel Bryan Parkway), and La Familia on the corner of Texas Avenue and 24th Street, which was once a Burger Boy. The building across the street from the Longhorn Tavern downtown was a Piggly Wiggly. Potts Jewelry downtown was a family jeweler. The Health Department on the corner of William Joel Bryan Parkway and Texas Avenue was a Safeway.

The Transformation of Wolf Pen Creek

The development of Wolf Pen Creek is another example of College Station's evolution. Before its development, the area was a marshy, flood-prone eyesore. The city built an amphitheater and dug out a pond to contain flooding and beautify the area. However, the pond partially filled with dirt after the first big rain, and the city eventually abandoned efforts to maintain it.

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The Legacy of James A. Baker

While Blue Baker is a relatively recent addition to College Station, the city's history is also intertwined with the legacy of James A. Baker, a prominent attorney and banker in Houston, Texas. Baker's grandfather was President Ronald Reagan's Chief of Staff, James Addison Baker III.

Early Life and Career

James Addison Baker was born in Huntsville, Texas, on January 10, 1857. He began his legal career as an apprentice at Baker & Botts in 1877, specializing in railroad law. He developed a business relationship with William Marsh Rice, serving as his personal attorney and guardian of his education foundation.

Involvement with Rice University

Baker played a crucial role in defending Rice's estate against legal challenges and unraveling a murder conspiracy. He successfully directed the Rice fortune to the founding of the Rice Institute for the Advancement of Letters, Science, and Art (now Rice University). Baker served as the founding chairman of the university's board of trustees from 1891 until his death in 1941.

Contributions to Houston's Development

Baker's career coincided with Houston's growth as a regional transportation and commercial center. He was president of the Houston Bar Association and a founder and board member of the Houston Gas Company. He also played a key role in preventing the collapse of Houston banks during the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

Philanthropic Efforts

Baker supported his wife Alice in founding the Houston Settlement Association in 1907. He assisted her in writing the organization's constitution and remained involved in its activities.

Legacy

James Addison Baker died in Houston on August 2, 1941, and was interred at Glenwood Cemetery. Baker College, a residential college at Rice University, is named in his honor. Baker's legacy continues through his family's commitment to Rice University, with his grandson, James Baker III, establishing the James Baker Institute.

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