Today we’d like to introduce you to Edgar Escobar.
Hi Edgar, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Edgar Escobar immigrated from Guatemala to the United States at the young age of 17. Eager to work, he took a job as a baker shortly after arriving in the U.S. After working at several bakeries and gaining over 20 years of experience, he was ready to take on more.
The bakery and deli, originally located in Del Mar in a 4,000 sq. ft. space, was a small operation with fewer than 30 wholesale customers. Edgar, along with his family, was able to grow the business to the point that the small Del Mar location was outgrown by 2013. He relocated the business to Escondido, expanding into a 10,000 sq. ft. facility, and continued to grow.
Eventually, the wholesale bakery outgrew that space as well and was moved to a larger facility in Poway. After continued success and a desire to purchase a building, O’Brien’s found its permanent home in a 22,000 sq. ft. facility in the Poway Business Park.
Today, O’Brien’s Boulangerie services over 300 hotels, restaurants, and casinos across San Diego and Orange County. Edgar runs the business alongside his wife, Argelia, his brother, Juan Carlos, and his children, Sara, Yvonne, and Eddie Escobar.
After the move, O’Brien’s launched its Café in October 2018, now serving breakfast and lunch. Visit O’Brien’s to enjoy a fresh loaf of bread, pastries, and desserts.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of the struggles we faced along the way came when the wholesale business began to take off. We experienced major growing pains, such as not having enough space to produce or store all the ingredients we needed. We also needed more vehicles and staff as the business grew very quickly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What makes our bakery truly special is that we are a family-owned and operated business, and everyone who works alongside us knows how much we value each and every employee. Our sourdough starter, which is over 30 years old, remains our number one seller and a cornerstone of our bakery. We bake everything fresh to order throughout the night, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. We never cut corners on our recipes and that commitment to excellence truly sets us apart.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When you run a small or family-owned business, finding a mentor and building a good network can make a big difference. What’s helped me the most is connecting with other local business owners who’ve been through similar experiences. Joining community groups, chambers of commerce, or just showing up at local events has led to some great relationships and advice.
I’ve learned that a mentor doesn’t have to have all the answers, it’s really about finding someone whose values and work ethic you respect. Most people are happy to share what they’ve learned if you just take the time to reach out and ask.
For me, networking works best when it’s genuine. I focus on getting to know people, supporting their businesses, and being part of the community. That’s what really helps your network and your business grow in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.obriensbakerysd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obriensbakerysd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/obriensbakerysd
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/o-briens-boulangerie-poway?osq=O%E2%80%99Brien%E2%80%99s+Boulangerie
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@obriensbakerysd
