A Santa Monica sandwich institution founded by two Michelin-starred chefs is bringing its elevated take on classic sandwiches to Thousand Oaks. According to Toddrickallen, Bread Head plans to open at The Lakes, in the former Umami Burger space adjacent to Erewhon.
Founded in 2023 by chefs Alex Williams and Jordan Snyder, Bread Head is known for its house-made focaccia sandwiches, which feature high-quality ingredients from local suppliers and creative combinations.
The sandwich shop was built around fresh bread baked throughout the day and elevated takes on classics, including the Calabrian Turkey, Muffaletta, Roast Beef, BLT, Turkey Pesto, and Combo Grinder, alongside rotating daily specials. Williams and Snyder later partnered with Greg Willsey and Michael Pasternak to form Bread Head Restaurant Group with the goal to expand with new locations.
What Now Los Angeles reached out to Willsey, who confirmed that the Thousand Oaks opening is targeted for spring 2027.
“The lease has been signed, and the team is currently working to submit plans, with hopes of breaking ground by January or February 2027,” Willsey said.
Bread Head currently operates locations in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Westwood, with Woodland Hills also in the pipeline.
The Thousand Oaks location has a personal connection for Willsey, who said he and his family have spent Christmas in the area many times.
“It is such a great community and so welcoming. Our goal is to provide the same incredibly high-quality sandwiches and customer service that we hang our hat on,” he told What Now Los Angeles.
The Lakes had been on Bread Head’s radar since the brand launched. The team toured the property more than a year ago before waiting for the right space to become available.
“The Lakes has been high on our list since we launched Bread Head and started thinking about communities that we think would really like Bread Head,” Willsey said. “We can’t wait to see our customers eating a sandwich on the lawn or taking in an NFL game with some curated beer and wine selections on our beautiful patio.”
Follow Bread Head on Instagram for updates.
