Bethesda, MD, May 5, 2026 – Rosetta Bakery and Best Buddies International are proud to officially open their newest Rosetta Bakery x Best Buddies location in Bethesda, Maryland, marking Rosetta Bakery’s 15th location in the U.S. and its first in the DMV area. Now open at 4901-A Fairmont Ave., the bakery brings Rosetta’s signature Italian baked goods and experience to Bethesda while furthering the two organizations’ shared commitment to inclusion and meaningful employment.

The official opening marks the next chapter in the growing partnership between Rosetta Bakery and Best Buddies International, which began in 2019 with a shared vision of creating welcoming spaces rooted in hospitality and purpose. In Bethesda, that vision comes to life through a neighborhood bakery that pairs authentic Italian food and coffee with opportunity, connection, and community impact.

“We are thrilled to officially open in Bethesda alongside Best Buddies and become part of this community in a real, everyday way,” said the founders of Rosetta Bakery in a joint statement. “This location reflects so much of what matters to us as a brand — authentic Italian hospitality, quality, and creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and inclusive from the moment guests walk through the door.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this concept officially come to life in Bethesda,” said Cory Alexander, co-owner of the Bethesda location. “From the beginning, we believed this community would connect with both the quality of Rosetta Bakery and the purpose behind this partnership, and we’re excited to now welcome guests into the space and see that vision in action.”

Through its partnership with Best Buddies International, the Bethesda location supports employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, furthering the nonprofit’s mission in a visible, community-facing way.

"This opening is a meaningful milestone for Best Buddies and the Bethesda community," said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. "Rosetta Bakery x Best Buddies is more than a bakery—it’s a powerful example of what’s possible when businesses lead with inclusion, create meaningful employment, and open doors for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work, grow, and succeed.”

Located in the heart of Bethesda, the new bakery introduces local residents, commuters, and visitors to Rosetta’s signature Italian bakery experience, with handcrafted pastries, artisanal breads, stuffed sandwiches, pizza, coffee, and other favorites made with ingredients imported directly from Italy. Designed as an inviting all-day destination, the space pairs Rosetta’s old-world traditions with a fresh, community-centered atmosphere.

Now open and welcoming guests, the Bethesda bakery offers:

• A true taste of Italy: From handmade pastries and Rosetta’s signature breads to savory specialties and expertly crafted coffee drinks, the menu reflects the brand’s commitment to authentic Italian baking traditions.
• A partnership with purpose: The Bethesda opening brings Rosetta Bakery and Best Buddies’ shared model to the DMV for the first time, combining hospitality with a meaningful commitment to inclusion.
• An engaging guest experience: The open-concept bakery features a “live kitchen” visible from Norfolk Avenue, allowing guests to experience the craftsmanship behind the brand in real time.
• A continued community impact: As with other Rosetta x Best Buddies locations, a portion of proceeds supports Best Buddies’ programs in Maryland and beyond, advancing its mission of friendship, leadership development, and inclusive employment.

The Bethesda location is especially notable, as it brings the Rosetta x Best Buddies concept to the region where Best Buddies first began, more than 35 years ago, at Georgetown University.

For more information about Rosetta 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.

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