El Pan de la Chola | Lima, Peru

Jonathan Day

Jonathan Day is the visionary behind El Pan de la Chola, a contemporary artisan bakery with five locations in the heart of his hometown, Lima. His journey into the culinary world was a natural extension of his life’s passions, with a particular focus on artisan bread and leavened products.

Before founding his bakery in 2010, Jonathan explored diverse careers as a model, industrial engineer, and actor, which gave him a unique blend of global experiences, analytical skills, and creativity—traits that now shape his approach to business. His decision to start El Pan de la Chola was driven by a personal need for quality bread, leading him to pursue traditional fermentation techniques inspired by both European and South American traditions.

Known for its use of simple, high-quality ingredients and natural processes, El Pan de la Chola mills its flour on-site and offers an array of products, from sourdough loaves to artisanal pizzas. Jonathan’s rustic bread and signature margherita pizza have become staples in Lima, earning a loyal following and international acclaim for their authenticity and attention to detail.

Through El Pan de la Chola, Jonathan has not only redefined the local food scene but has also set a new standard for artisanal baking in Peru and beyond.