March 2005

Dragan and Mirjana Varga owned a bakery in their native Yugoslavia before they moved to Northern Virginia nine years ago with their daughter, Vishja. Dragan spent his first decade in the United States as a bakery mechanic. About a year ago, the Vargas decided it was again time to open their own place. They found a space in Falls Church, which the late Dragan remodeled himself, and Bread House opened in September 2004.

The main focus of the business, Vishja says, is crusty breads in the European style, made daily from scratch. Bread House also makes breakfast pastries such as croissants, muffins, and Danishes and cakes and pies. The bakery has no seating, but sells coffee, espresso, hot tea, and hot chocolate to go, as well as a selection of sandwiches, the most popular being the veggie sandwich with red peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini roasted in-house.

"From Day One we've had regulars," Vishja says. "The neighborhood has been warm and welcoming." Commercial accounts include the nearby Argia's and other restaurants in DC and Northern Virginia.

Bread House: 1109 W. Broad St.; 703-237-3717.

Open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM.