If you’ve ever found yourself standing on the corner of Market Street and 56th in North Oakland, you already know the smell. It’s a heavy, sweet, vanilla-laced scent that stops you mid-walk. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you forget you were supposed to be somewhere else. This is the home of It's All Good Bakery Inc., a neighborhood institution that has survived gentrification, economic shifts, and the relentless march of time.
Honestly, it’s more than just a place to grab a cupcake. It’s a landmark.
Founded by Kim Magloire in 1996, the bakery wasn't always a commercial powerhouse. It started with a vision of bringing authentic Southern-style desserts to the East Bay. Magloire didn't just want to bake; she wanted to preserve a culture. When you walk inside, you aren't greeted by the cold, minimalist aesthetic of a modern "tech-bro" coffee shop. Instead, you get walls lined with history—photos of the Black Panthers, local legends, and the community that built Oakland. The building itself actually served as the first national headquarters for the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. That history is baked into the walls, just as much as the sugar is baked into the batter.
The Secret Behind the It's All Good Bakery Inc. Menu
People travel from across the state for the 7-Up cake.
That’s not an exaggeration. The 7-Up cake is arguably the flagship of It's All Good Bakery Inc., and for good reason. It’s dense. It’s moist. It has that citrusy zing that balances out the intense sweetness of the glaze. If you grew up with a grandmother who spent all Sunday in the kitchen, this cake will probably make you emotional. It tastes like a core memory.
🔗 Read more: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
But don't sleep on the other offerings. The red velvet is a contender for the best in the Bay Area. It’s not that bright, artificial red you see at grocery stores. It’s a deep, rich cocoa-based cake topped with a cream cheese frosting that actually tastes like cream cheese, not just powdered sugar. They also do a mean peach cobbler. The crust is flaky, the peaches are tender, and the spice blend is guarded like a state secret.
Then there’s the bean pie. A staple of the Nation of Islam and a broader symbol of African American culinary ingenuity, the bean pie here is creamy and spiced with just the right amount of nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s a texture most people don't expect until they try it. Kinda like a pumpkin pie, but with more depth.
Surviving in a Changing Oakland
Oakland has changed a lot since 1996. You’ve seen the high-rises go up and the old shops come down. Yet, It's All Good Bakery Inc. remains. Why? Because they stayed true to the neighborhood. While other businesses pivoted to cater strictly to new residents with $15 avocado toasts, Kim Magloire kept her prices accessible and her recipes traditional.
That doesn't mean it’s been easy. Small businesses in California face massive hurdles—rising ingredient costs, labor shortages, and utility spikes. The bakery has had to navigate the "new Oakland" while keeping the "old Oakland" heart beating. It’s a delicate dance. They’ve managed to stay relevant by being a community hub. On any given Tuesday, you’ll see old-timers sitting out front, catching up on news, while young professionals grab a slice of cake on their way home from the BART station.
💡 You might also like: Hairstyles for women over 50 with round faces: What your stylist isn't telling you
The resilience of this bakery is a case study in "business with a soul." It’s not just about the profit margins. It’s about the fact that if this place closed, the neighborhood would lose a piece of its identity.
What Most People Miss About the Location
The history of 5622 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (the street formerly known as Grove Street) is heavy. As mentioned, the Black Panthers used this spot. Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton walked these floors. When you buy a sweet potato pie from It's All Good Bakery Inc., you are standing on ground that saw the birth of the Free Breakfast for Children Program.
Magloire has always leaned into this. She doesn't shy away from the political and social roots of the building. In many ways, the bakery serves as an unofficial museum. You can see the pride in the eyes of the staff. They know they aren't just selling sugar; they are stewards of a legacy.
Why Authentic Bakeries Are Disappearing
We are losing places like this.
📖 Related: How to Sign Someone Up for Scientology: What Actually Happens and What You Need to Know
Industrialized baking has taken over. Most "bakeries" you see in suburban malls are just reheating frozen dough shipped from a central warehouse. It's All Good Bakery Inc. does it the hard way. They crack the eggs. They sift the flour. They wait for the ovens to hit that perfect temperature. This manual labor is why a slice of their cake feels "heavy" in your hand—in a good way. It has substance.
The challenge for the future is sustainability. How does a legacy bakery pass the torch to the next generation? The "It's All Good" brand has expanded its reach through catering and special events, ensuring that even if you can't make it to North Oakland, you can still get a taste of the magic.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
If you're planning a trip, don't just wing it. Here is the move:
- Go early. The most popular items, especially the 7-Up cake and the cobblers, can sell out by mid-afternoon, particularly on Saturdays.
- Check the hours. Like many family-run spots, their hours can be a bit specific. They are generally closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your cravings accordingly.
- Bring an appetite for history. Spend five minutes looking at the photos on the walls. Ask the staff about the building. They are usually happy to share a bit of the story if it’s not a rush.
- The "Slice" Strategy. If it’s your first time, don't commit to a whole cake. They sell generous slices. Get a slice of the 7-Up and a slice of the red velvet. Compare them. It’s the only way to truly understand the range.
- Order ahead for holidays. If you want a pie for Thanksgiving or a cake for a birthday, call at least a week in advance. The line on holiday eves usually wraps around the block.
Supporting It's All Good Bakery Inc. is a vote for the soul of Oakland. It's a small way to ensure that as the city evolves, it doesn't lose the flavors and the stories that made it famous in the first place. Next time you're in the East Bay, skip the chain donuts and head to 56th and Market. Your taste buds—and the community—will thank you.
To get the most out of your visit, park a block away and walk up so you can catch that vanilla scent from a distance. Make sure to try the sweet potato pie; it’s widely considered the gold standard for the region. If you are ordering for a large group, inquire about their sheet cake options, which offer the same quality as their rounds but in a more shareable format for events.