By Tracey Henkels, June 28, 2018
Little T American Baker is celebrating their 10-year anniversary this summer!
In 1997, Tim Healea found himself in need of vocational inspiration. Unenthusiastic about his career in New York City’s fast-paced world of magazine publishing, Tim took a leap of faith and enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education, an act which would ultimately ignite his greatest passion: baking.
Nancy Silverton’s iconic book, Breads from the La Brea Bakery became an unexpected source of inspiration for Tim. He soon found himself catapulted heart-first into the complex world of three simple ingredients: flour, salt, and water.
So in 1998, Tim packed up his mixing bowls and headed west, landing at Portland’s renown Pearl Bakery, where he would serve as head baker for nearly a decade.
In 2002, Tim earned his infamous “Little T” nickname, while competing as the youngest member, and second “Tim” on the Bread Bakers Guild’s silver medal winning USA team, in the prestigious Coupe Du Monde de la Boulangerie baking competition.
Six years later, upon leaving Pearl Bakery and finding a life of consulting unfulfilling, Tim’s dream of owning his own bakery became reality. Little T American Baker opened in 2008, in the heart of the city’s most popular food district, off SE Division Street at 26th Avenue. Little T’s locally sourced sweet and savory fare soon became a neighborhood staple for locals and tourists alike.
With their 10-year anniversary around the corner, Little T is now an official community one-stop shop for gluttons of all things gluten. Known not only for their superior selection of complex, crunchy crusts and delicious daily variety of flaky pastries, sweet treats, and local Coava coffee and espresso, Little T has a well-earned reputation for community involvement and responsible business practices.
Looking for a place to munch on a Jacobson sea-salt dusted brownies or a pistachio bear paw amongst friends? Little T American Baker is the spot for you.
Located at 2600 SE Division Street @ SE 26th Avenue.
Open Mon – Sat, 7am – 5p / Sun, 8a – 2p
Tracey Henkels
Principal Broker | Earth Advantage | OR
She/Her
Tracey grew up rooted in the rhythms of her family’s Iowa apple orchard, where rising with the sun instilled a deep work ethic and a grounded, thoughtful approach to life. That Midwestern foundation shapes the values that Tracey brings to her clients: compassionate guidance, perseverance and a commitment to making a difference for the people she serves.
With a degree in Architecture from Iowa State University and six years of experience in the architecture field, Tracey has a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of how homes are built—literally and metaphorically. In 2004, she transitioned into real estate, combining her technical expertise with a passion for helping people find a sense of sanctuary and belonging.
Tracey is known for her integrity, patience, and optimism, making her a trusted advisor and advocate for our clients. She thrives on helping people navigate important transitions, whether buying their first home, selling a cherished property or finding the perfect place to put down long-term roots.
Tracey is deeply connected to her community and is passionate about making a meaningful impact beyond real estate. She’s been a resident of the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood in SE Portland since 2002; you’ll often find her in her garden nurturing vegetables and flowers, hosting neighbors and friends, exploring Oregon’s great outdoors, or planning her next travel adventure. Through every step of her clients’ journeys, Tracey embodies the grounded guidance and thoughtful care that define Rooted Realty.
Tracey works as a team, alongside Kelsey Burkett, Broker Licensed in OR. You can read more about them on their website: Rooted Realty.- T: 503-715-6140
- traceyhenkels@gmail.com
