Ninth Street Bakery opened in the spring of 1981 as a retail bakery/cafe. The bakery was originally founded by: George and Frank Ferrell, two brothers; Maureen Ferrell, Frank’s wife; and Michael Mooney, Maureen’s brother. In Fall of 2013, Ari Berenbaum, an ex-Ninth Street baker and production manager (2009-2011), bought Ninth Street Bakery from the Ferrells (as well as Ray Jones, then a general manager and owner), who were looking to retire and were seeking someone who would keep the name and business intact. Since taking over Ninth Street Bakery in Fall of 2013, Ari has been modernizing recipes, improving quality, adding bread selections, and generally being inspired by all the new movements in both baking and the culinary arts. As a business owner, he cares about the Durham and Triangle communities, and hosts charitable events as well as sliding-scale classes at the Bakery on a regular basis.