Melissa Yanc is co-founder of Quail & Condor Bakery and Troubadour Bread & Bistro, both of which have become celebrated establishments in Healdsburg since their inception.
Yanc’s culinary path actually began at her grandmother’s side, learning her way around a kitchen since childhood. Over 16 years in the hospitality industry, she honed her craft through pastry school before opening her first bakery in Denver at the young age of 23. Since then, she has led acclaimed pastry programs, including at Bien Cuit in New York (which she sold her Denver bakery to work at) and Gjusta in Los Angeles.
That move ultimately brought her here to Sonoma County, where she served as hotel pastry chef at SingleThread, also where her husband, chef Sean McGaughey, had landed.
Yanc’s entrepreneurial spirit has only grown from there. Alongside chef McGaughey, she began baking independently for farmers markets, hotels and wineries in 2018. Then in 2019, Yanc brought her talents to a giant audience, taking home the title on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship.
In 2020, the couple opened Quail & Condor, quickly growing a devout following for their excellent naturally leavened breads, laminated pastries and seasonal scones. Their Troubadour Bread & Bistro opened in 2022, just down the street, as a place to showcase sandwiches by day and French-inspired tasting menus by night.
Most recently, in December 2025, they partnered with longtime friend Matthew Vawter to open Threefold, a new bakery in Breckenridge, Colorado. They also celebrated the announcement of the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards as semifinalists for Outstanding Bakery. So if one sees Yanc around town, perhaps they can congratulate her with a Campari Spritz… She likes them a lot.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Melissa Yanc: That’s a long answer, but really my career found me. I grew up with women who really know how to cook.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
Sort of… I’m a terrible mixologist, but when I had a great vodka martini I understood good quality vodka and balance.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
Campari Spritz.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
Bravas on a rainy Wednesday.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Campari Spritz (always).Quail & Condor, 44 Mill St., Unit J, Healdsburg, 707.473.8254, quailandcondor.com.
