Porto's Bakery moving forward in Downtown Disney, replacing Earl of Sandwich

Los Angeles Times - Apr 18th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

Porto's Bakery & Cafe is poised to expand its reach by opening a new location in Downtown Disney, replacing the former La Brea Bakery site. Disney has filed demolition permits for the building, which currently houses Earl of Sandwich, marking significant progress toward the establishment of Porto's seventh location in Southern California. With Downtown Disney attracting at least 27 million visitors in 2023, this new location promises substantial foot traffic, potentially boosting Porto's visibility and customer base even more.

Porto's Bakery, founded by Rosa Porto in 1976, has become a cherished staple in Los Angeles, with its six locations regularly drawing long lines. The bakery's planned arrival at Downtown Disney, announced in 2022, generated excitement among fans, although construction delays fueled rumors of a potential cancellation. However, Porto's reassured the public of its commitment to the project, with an expected opening in 2025. The move is not only significant for Porto's growth but also highlights the brand's cultural and economic impact, both locally and within the broader Disney community.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and engaging account of the anticipated opening of Porto's Bakery at Downtown Disney. It effectively conveys the excitement surrounding the development and offers a concise history of the bakery's significance in Southern California. The use of factual data, such as visitor statistics, enhances the story's accuracy, though the lack of direct confirmation from primary sources slightly detracts from its verifiability. While the article is balanced in its positive portrayal of the development, it omits potential downsides or opposing viewpoints. Overall, the story is timely and of interest to a localized audience, with a high level of readability and clarity. However, its broader impact and potential for controversy are limited, suggesting a focus on consumer interest rather than wider societal implications.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a factual account of the developments surrounding the new Porto’s Bakery location at Downtown Disney. It accurately states that Disney filed demolition permits for the site previously occupied by La Brea Bakery. The claim that Porto’s Bakery will be the seventh location in Southern California aligns with the bakery's expansion history. The mention of 27 million visitors in 2023 to Downtown Disney is sourced from an annual report by Aecom and the Themed Entertainment Assn., lending credibility to the claim. However, the story lacks direct confirmation from Disney or Porto’s representatives, as they did not respond to requests for comment, which slightly affects the verifiability of the timeline and specific plans for the new location.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive anticipation surrounding the opening of Porto's Bakery at Downtown Disney, reflecting a generally favorable viewpoint. It mentions the excitement generated by the announcement and the history of Porto’s as a beloved institution. However, it does not explore any potential downsides or opposition to the development, such as the impact on local businesses or community concerns. The absence of dissenting perspectives or critiques suggests a slight imbalance in the coverage.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates the key developments regarding Porto's Bakery's new location. It provides a coherent narrative of the bakery's history and its anticipated impact at Downtown Disney. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow. However, the timeline of events could be more explicitly outlined to enhance clarity.

6
Source quality

The article relies on a mix of official documents, such as demolition permits, and reports from reputable organizations like Aecom and the Themed Entertainment Assn. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from primary sources such as Disney or Porto's Bakery representatives. The reliance on secondary sources and the absence of direct confirmation from involved parties slightly undermines the overall source quality.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, citing an annual report for visitor statistics and mentioning the lack of response from Disney and Porto’s representatives. However, it does not provide detailed information about the methodology of the Aecom report or the potential impact of the new bakery on the local area. Greater transparency regarding these aspects would enhance the reader's understanding of the context.

Sources

  1. https://www.instagram.com/portosbakery/p/DCR3AYnPVGM/
  2. https://mickeyvisit.com/disneyland-portos-bakery/
  3. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIg9boeRnqC/
  4. https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/portos-bakery-cafe-disneyland-resorts-downtown-disney-district/