Nestled in downtown Detroit, JP Makes and Bakes is a small but vibrant bakery where tradition meets innovation. Sometimes, trying foods from new cultures can be intimidating, but JP Makes and Bakes is anything but—its welcoming atmosphere makes every visit feel personal and inviting.

Jonathan Peregrino began his baking journey as a child stuck inside due to his athletically induced asthma. “Baking and pastry had always come really easy and naturally to me,” Peregrino said. Though he initially pursued a career in sales and marketing, his love for baking never faded. In 2018, he enrolled in the Academy of Baking and Pastry in the Philippines to learn the science behind baking.

An unexpected opportunity arose in 2020 in the form of an Instagram message inviting him to compete on Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship.” Initially skeptical, he took on the challenge and went to California to film the show. The high-stakes competition reaffirmed his skills and is proof of how far he has come. “It was a wonderful experience to see where I was at that point, and in comparison to other people.” Since then, Peregrino has grown significantly as a pastry chef, saying, “If I can go back onto one of these shows [there’d be a] night and day difference.”

What began as a pandemic past time quickly evolved into something bigger. Peregrino missed the Filipino treats of his childhood, many of which were difficult to find in Detroit. “I started to make some of these traditional Filipino things that I grew up with, that I couldn’t find, or that I used to go to Chicago or Toronto for,” he said. His home baked goods gained traction through his doorstep deliveries to friends, leading him to transition from home bakery, to pop-ups, to now a full-scale bakery.

JP Makes and Bakes seamlessly blends Filipino flavors with modern techniques. One of his new creations is the “Pan de Croissant,” a hybrid of his mother‘s Pan de Sal recipe and classic croissant techniques. “I took my mom‘s bread recipe as the base, then laminated that, and made the croissant from there,” Peregrino explained. The result is a familiar pastry with deep cultural ties. The “Pan de Croissant” is available Fridays and Saturdays.

Another signature ingredient is “ube,” a purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine. From ube brownies to ube cheesecake, Peregrino finds innovative ways to introduce the unique flavor to a broader audience. “I grew up eating ube, and that was just something that I always knew, but it’s not a flavor profile that a lot of people are used to,” he said. Peregrino uses ube in popular desserts to make it more approachable and encourage customers to experiment with new flavors. Among the many offerings, the ube roll is highly recommended. Its traditional cinnamon roll appearance and texture balanced with the light sweetness of the ube filling, creates a dessert that is both nostalgic and exotic.

While Peregrino didn’t initially intend to create a bakery with a Filipino focus, he recognized a gap in the market and embraced the opportunity to share his heritage. “I really just wanted to have a nice place for people to come to, to enjoy, to try some new things but the response has been really humbling for me, and very overwhelming.” His shop has since become a place for those craving a taste of home to travel to and newcomers looking to explore something new.

Located on Woodward Ave, JP Makes and Bakes is part of the city’s evolving culinary landscape that is culturally diverse. Peregrino is proud to be contributing to the Detroit food scene, adding a fresh perspective to the mix. “I wanted to be part of the revitalization and the growth of the food industry here in Detroit,” he said.

For aspiring bakers, entrepreneurs, especially those from under-represented communities, Peregrino emphasizes the importance of utilizing available resources. “Take advantage of all the resources that are out there. Use your network, call up people, email people, ask the questions. There are a lot of folks that are more than willing to help, myself included. All you have to do is ask,” he said. He also acknowledges the challenge of the journey, advising, “It’s not going to be an easy road, but you just have to believe in yourself. There’s never going to be a right time to take the jump.”

JP Makes and Bakes isn’t about rapid expansion or franchising – it’s about connection. Peregrino’s goal is to create a welcoming space for people to enjoy fresh pastries, discover new flavors and celebrate culture through food. “The goal is just enjoy it, have fun, feed people, expose them to new things, and be open to whatever possibilities come,” he said.

For those looking for a bakery that combines exciting flavors, heritage and innovation, JP Makes and Bakes is a must-visit. Every item reflects a love for baking and a commitment to bringing people together through food.

For hours and to place an order, go to: jpmakesandbakes.com.