Baking a Bridge: How Dog Tag Bakery Connects Veterans to the Community

by Leslie Parsons

In the heart of Georgetown, Dog Tag Bakery is more than just a place to grab a fresh-baked scone or a cup of coffee—it’s a bridge between veterans, military spouses, caregivers, and the larger civilian community. Through the Dog Tag Fellowship Program (DTFP), this unique bakery helps individuals transition from military to civilian life by immersing them in a “living business school.” The bakery serves as a hub where education, entrepreneurship, and connection come together, allowing Fellows to develop essential business skills while forging relationships with the community around them.

Shanel Adams, Dog Tag’s Senior Catering and Wholesale Manager, has been part of this journey for nearly a decade. Starting as a part-time baker, Shanel has played a pivotal role in shaping the bakery’s catering and wholesale operations, as well as expanding initiatives like the Holiday Basket project. Though she is not a military veteran herself, her work at Dog Tag has given her a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by service members and their families. More importantly, she has witnessed firsthand the profound impact the bakery has on the Fellows who pass through its doors.

During their rotation at Dog Tag Bakery, Fellows gain practical experience in product development, customer service, and business operations. They learn how to construct baked goods from scratch, cost out their products, and refine their skills in photography and presentation. The goal of this part of the program is to help Fellows learn and develop skills that they can then apply to their own business plans.

Working in the café provides them with opportunities to engage with civilian customers, breaking down barriers and fostering conversations that help bridge the military-civilian divide. The bakery’s staff, primarily made up of civilians, plays a crucial role in this process, offering mentorship and insight into life outside of military service.

One of the most significant aspects of the Fellows’ experience at the bakery is the sense of connection they build. Through partnerships with organizations like Compass Coffee, Georgetown University, and various small and large businesses, Fellows interact with professionals who support their transition into new careers. Some partnerships involve financial support or wholesale purchases, while others provide hands-on engagement—such as volunteering with holiday basket projects or participating in DTFP programming.

Signature bakery items, like the popular “Warrior Bites,” highlight the innovative spirit fostered within the Fellowship Program. Originally developed by Cohort 4 as part of a DTFP project, these treats symbolize the creativity and collaboration that define Dog Tag Bakery. 10% of the bakery’s menu consists of treats that were created and developed by Fellows and each baked good produced in the kitchen represents more than just a recipe—it embodies resilience, learning, and the drive to move forward.

For Shanel, the most rewarding moments come from witnessing the full transition process of the Fellows. She recalls seeing individuals walk through the doors on their first day, uncertain about what comes next, only to leave months later with confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. “Sometimes, in the hospitality industry, it can feel like you’re just working without a purpose,” she shares. “But here, every day, I get to see the real impact of what we do.”

While measuring success can be a challenge—since every Fellow’s journey is personal—the impact of Dog Tag Bakery is undeniable. By providing a space where veterans and military families can connect with the broader community, learn practical business skills, and find meaningful employment, Dog Tag is fulfilling its mission in ways that extend far beyond the walls of the bakery.

As Dog Tag Bakery continues to grow and evolve, it remains a place where fellowship, entrepreneurship, and community come together—one batch of fresh-baked purpose at a time.

The True North Foundation is proud to support the Dog Tag Bakery and the Dog Tag Fellowship Program. We regularly sponsor events that raise awareness about Dog Tag’s mission and impact. To learn more about our work with Dog Tag and other veteran nonprofits, please be sure to check out our website – and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter!