UM Alum Fulfills Dream of Starting His Own Bakery

Baking has always held a spot in Xavier Gonzales-Graybill’s life. The Missoula College and University of Montana alum was introduced to the kitchen as a child by his grandmother, and often returned to those memories in difficult times.

“When life was hard, I would find myself cooking and baking to make things seem ok”, Gonzales-Graybill said. “But I never thought I was going to do it for a living.” 

Now, Gonzales-Graybill owns his own bakery and café— and it’s hard for him to imagine himself doing anything else. He arrived at Missoula College to study culinary arts, but also gained the experience necessary to start his own business.

“Going in, I thought I was just going to be by myself. I was going to go to classes, learn what I need to learn and leave,” he said.

It wasn’t long before he decided to add a business degree to his culinary education. Then, he enrolled in the Davidson Honors College, which required him to complete an independent study project. Gonzales-Graybill knew that was an opportunity to kickstart his dream of running his own bakery. 

With staff and faculty support, he created the in-house Roost bakery at Missoula College and earned real-world business experience, like managing employees and inventory.

“I was able to create my own education for what I was looking for. It was tailored to what I wanted to do in life,” he said.

When Gonzales-Graybill met his partner, the concept of a bakery for pets and their people began to take shape. He developed a business plan and began looking for space, all while earning multiple degrees, working at Roost, serving as a teacher’s assistant and planning a wedding.

This winter, he opened Bolt & Bruizer’s Bakery & Barkery in Missoula. The business serves up delicious pastries, baked goods and custom creations for humans, and fresh organic treats for pets.

Gonzales-Graybill has been busy in the kitchen and getting out into the Missoula community with events like Queer Prom and the farmer’s market. They’ll also be participating in Pride festivities this month. 

“To be able to give back and to be able to be a community and a safe space here for people is great,” he said. “We look forward to being able to do as much in the community as we can.”

Are you an alum who started your own business? We want to connect with you! UMAA is working on more alumni-owned business features, gift guides, and ways for businesses to show off their Griz spirit. Submit your business.