We’re serving up the next chapter of Sidewalk Stories and this one is straight from the oven. At Helms Design District, food has always been a thread that ties us together, and now, with the return of the legendary Helms Bakery, we’re honoring our past while celebrating a flavorful new future.
Helping us tell these evolving stories is Nancy Nimoy, a longtime Helms tenant whose illustrations capture the warmth, personality, and soul of the district. Through her art, we celebrate not just the meals and menus, but the people behind them — the chefs, families, and friendly faces who welcome you in and keep you coming back.
Come for the baked goods. Stay for the everything
This installment of Sidewalk Stories celebrates an iconic name and a renewed sense of flavor and community here at Helms Design District.
Once known for delivering bread daily to Southern California doorsteps, Helms Bakery made history long before sourdough became trendy. From being named the official bread of the 1932 Olympics to landing a loaf on the Apollo 11 mission, Helms was woven into the fabric of Los Angeles and even made it all the way to the moon!
Now, nearly a century later, the bakery is reimagined as a vibrant culinary marketplace, a new chapter rooted in the past but crafted for today. Inside the newly opened Helms Bakery, you’ll find everything from flaky pastries and handcrafted coffee to fresh breads, a curated deli, specialty drinks, and sweet treats. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a place to gather, shop, linger, and taste what L.A. has to offer.
Grab a pastry and head out to Helms Avenue, where outdoor seating and sunny sidewalks invite you to stay awhile. Stroll through the design showrooms, enjoy the fountain, or catch one of our many events — from architecture talks to Cars & Coffee to the Art Walk festival. It’s a place where culinary creativity and community connection live side by side.
As always, artist Nancy Nimoy captures the scene with a playful eye and plenty of personality. Because at Helms, it’s never just about one thing. It’s about everything.
More Than a Bite
Helms is more than just a bite or a browse; it’s a full experience. Grab a pastry, sip a perfectly made coffee, relax by the fountain, explore thoughtfully curated showrooms, or stumble upon a local event. From design inspiration to community gatherings, good food to good company, this is the everything you stay for.
Follow along on our website and social channels as we roll out this celebration of community, cuisine, and creativity — one delicious, artful story at a time.
Meet Nancy Nimoy
We couldn’t have asked for a better creative partner for this campaign. Nancy Nimoy has been part of the Helms Design District community for more years than we can count, an integral thread in the creative fabric of our campus.
Known for her keen eye, vibrant color palette, and unmistakable sense of humor, Nancy has a unique ability to capture the spirit of people and places with warmth and wit. Her work spans everything from book jackets to theater posters to fashion campaigns, and now, it’s bringing the story of Helms to life through illustration.
Whether she’s painting on canvas or sketching on an iPad, Nancy brings a sense of discovery to every project she touches. Through this series, her distinct artistic style will spotlight the eclectic mix of makers, proprietors, and experiences that define Helms.
