Project overview
For over 100 years, Alessi Bakery has been a staple in Tampa. When the opportunity came to reimagine their space just doors down from the original location, the vision was clear: evolve the experience without losing the history behind it.
The new space, a former postal facility, required a careful balance between preserving what existed and introducing a more modern, open concept.
JEM Glass was brought in to execute glazing solutions that would support both.
The challenge
This wasn’t a standard buildout. The structure carried history. The brand carried legacy. And the new vision demanded performance.
The goal was to respect what the building was while transforming it into what Alessi’s is today. That meant every glass element had to contribute to:
- Long-term performance
- A more open, immersive customer experience
- Subtle storytelling tied to the Alessi family
Scope of work
- Exterior storefront system
- Custom radius glass wall
- One-way custom film installation
- Historic table preservation
Exterior storefront system
A two-bay impact storefront system was installed using high-performance insulated glass, designed to meet both durability and energy standards. To complement the building’s character, a custom medium bronze finish was selected, bringing out the historic elements of the space while maintaining a clean, modern look.
The system is impact-rated for safety and longevity, with insulated glass that supports long-term performance without compromising on design.
Custom radius glass wall
One of the most defining features of the space is the curved glass wall that showcases the bakery’s prep area. Rather than keeping operations hidden, the goal was to open everything up and create a more transparent environment.
The custom radius design was tailored to fit the layout, allowing for full visibility into the baking process while creating a more engaging and immersive experience for customers.
Historic table preservation
A 100-year-old table, passed down through the Alessi family, remains a meaningful centerpiece within the space. To protect it while keeping it fully visible, JEM Glass designed a custom glass overlay that preserves its condition without taking away from its presence.
This approach allows the table to remain both functional and protected, ensuring that its story continues to be part of the customer experience.
Design meets performance
Glass in this project wasn’t just about separation or structure. It played a direct role in how the space is experienced throughout the day.
During daylight hours, natural light moves through the storefront and interior glass, keeping the space bright and open. At night, interior lighting reflects off the glass, turning the bakery into a visual focal point that draws people in from the outside.
The result
The new Alessi Bakery delivers a completely reimagined experience, bringing together a modern space that still feels deeply rooted in history.
The design allows for increased visibility into the craft behind the product, creating a more engaging and transparent environment for customers. At the same time, it strengthens the connection between the brand, its story, and the community it serves.
Every glazing decision supports not only how the space looks, but how it performs over the long term.
Key takeaway
This project is a reflection of what thoughtful glazing can do. It’s not just about installing glass. It’s about understanding the space, the history behind it, and how every detail contributes to the final experience.
At Alessi Bakery, that meant blending old and new seamlessly, without compromising on performance.
Have a project in mind?
Let’s talk about how the right glazing approach can elevate your space from the start.