Bethesda, MD, April 9, 2025 – Rosetta Bakery, renowned for authentic, handcrafted Italian baked goods that honor tradition and Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are pleased to announce the continued expansion of their inspiring partnership with the forthcoming debut of a new Rosetta Bakery x Best Buddies location in Bethesda, Maryland.

Anthony K. Shriver, Founder & CEO of Best Buddies International, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I’m excited to bring Rosetta x Best Buddies to where it all began,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. “This partnership goes beyond delicious Italian baked goods—it’s about opening doors to meaningful employment for our Best Buddies Jobs participants in Bethesda. It’s an opportunity for them to shine, contribute, and be celebrated by an incredible community that I know will embrace their talents with open arms.”

Set to open later this year, the bakery will bring the timeless tastes of Italy to the DMV area while continuing to expand Best Buddies’ impactful mission of inclusion and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The new location, nestled in the heart of Bethesda at 4901-A Fairmont Ave, will mark an exciting chapter for both organizations following their successful co-branded launch in 2019 and a growing national footprint that blends artisanal flavor with purpose bringing their shared mission of inclusion, community, and culinary craft to the heart of Bethesda.

A Sneak Peek at What’s to Come:

• A Taste of Italy, Rooted in Tradition: Rosetta Bakery serves as an ambassador of Italian baking, blending old-world techniques with the finest ingredients. From hand-shaped pastries to the bakery’s signature Rosetta-style bread, each item tells a story, crafted in-store and often served fresh from the oven in real time.
• Employment with Impact: Continuing the tradition of other Rosetta x Best Buddies locations, the Bethesda bakery will also employ Best Buddies Jobs participants, providing valuable job opportunities and fostering workplace inclusion for individuals with IDD.
• Community Commitment: A percentage of the bakery’s profits will directly benefit Best Buddies’ initiatives in Maryland and beyond, promoting its goal of enhancing friendship, job opportunities, and leadership skills. Importantly, this global nonprofit originated at Georgetown University more than 35 years ago.
• Immersive Guest Experience: Visitors to the Bethesda location can expect a cozy, open-concept design with a “live kitchen” viewable from the sidewalk on Norfolk Avenue. The space also includes installations that highlight the organization’s history and Best Buddies’ efforts both globally and within the local community.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Best Buddies and share Rosetta’s signature warmth and craftsmanship with a new community,” said the founders of Rosetta Bakery in a joint statement. “This location is particularly special—not only because of the incredible people involved but also because of the community it will serve. We are excited to introduce Bethesda to the authentic flavors and traditions of Italian baking, from our handmade pastries to our welcoming atmosphere.”

The Bethesda location was inspired by a lifelong Maryland resident who wanted to bring Rosetta’s authentic Italian bakery to the area and create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs through an already successful employment model.

“We’re excited to bring Rosetta Bakery’s distinguished Italian traditions to Bethesda because it’s a difference you can truly taste and will have you coming back for more, “said Cory Alexander, a Bethesda resident and co-owner of the new Rosetta Bakery x Best Buddies location. “Together with Best Buddies, we are also able to make a difference and serve as a champion for inclusion in our local community .”

More details will be announced in the coming months, including the opening date, menu previews, and community events.

For more information about Rosetta’s Italian Bakery and its partnership with Best Buddies International, please visit www.rosettabakery.com and www.bestbuddies.org.

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About Rosetta Bakery:
Rosetta Bakery is a premier Italian bakery dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of authentic Italian baking. Founded with a passion for craftsmanship, tradition, and quality, Rosetta Bakery creates a true Italian bakery experience with handcrafted pastries, artisanal bread, and expertly brewed coffee. With 13 locations in Miami, New York City, Orlando, and upcoming openings in Atlanta and the Washington, D.C. area, Rosetta Bakery is committed to bringing the warmth and excellence of Italian café culture to communities across the U.S. For more information, visit www.rosettabakery.com and follow @rosettabakery on Instagram.

About Best Buddies
Best Buddies^® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Contacts:
Rosetta Bakery
Elyse Eisen
The Chain Collective PR
elyse@thechaincollectivepr.com

Best Buddies International
Nicole Maddox
Vice President, Communications
NicoleMaddox@Bestbuddies.org