Winslow’s Flatbed Ford Cafe and B and B!

Even in the midst of a pandemic, Winslow continues to emerge in new ways, bringing life into long-neglected buildings–like the all-new Flatbed Ford AirBnb and Bakery. Bakeries bring a certain something to a downtown district. The smell. The charm. The joy of sitting with a neighbor over a cuppa joe and fresh pastry. For the first time in decades, Winslow will once again have a bakery in the Historic Downtown District.

The Building at 214 N. Kinsley

For over a year, Ray Martinez–along with daughter Sonia and their spouses Kelly and Gary–have been renovating this building. The upstairs needed a ton of work to make it guest-ready, but they saw great potential in this historic building.

Since this is a historic property, let’s explore the building’s background before we get into how they transformed the space into what it is today.

The Early Days: City Meat Market

From the Winslow Mail Archives, 214 Kinsley opened in 1908 as the City Meat Market – J.W. Marley, Proprietor – “The Oldest Market in Winslow” specializing in Cured and Fresh Meats along with a complete line of fruits and vegetables. Great-granddaughter Mary Blecha commented on the Winslow Arizona News page:

It was built by my great grandparents, Cora and Josiah Winchester Marley. This is so exciting!

Mary Blecha, Winslow Arizona News Page

Many people in town, though, most remember 214 N. Kinsley Avenue as…

The W. Bow Grocery

In 1932, Shue Bow Woo and his wife Suey Ping Woo came to Winslow from China. They operated the W. Bow Meat Market and Grocery at 214 Kinsley Ave from 1933 to 1976 and raised their five children in the apartment above the store.

That same apartment–in 1919–rented for $12 a month to single men only. In the mid-1920s, a female doctor treated female ailments in those apartments. And at one time, it housed the Union Fuel & Transfer office. I’m guessing it was also a dentist’s office, considering the graphics still high on the exterior sidewalls.

The apartment–with all that great history–is now a thriving Airbnb unit.

The Flatbed Ford Bed & Breakfast

In September 2019–after months of hard work–the Martinez and Ybarra families opened the beautifully renovated short-term rental. They did a terrific job transforming the space into a cozy and stylish spot to “Sleep on the Corner” in Winslow Arizona.

I hope they get a view of the small town life and the closeness of our community as well as meet fellow travelers and exchange their stories. 

Sonia Ybarra

The Bakery!

Sonia originally planned to open the bakery last fall, but had a few setbacks and then, of course, the pandemic closures. Still, they kept plugging away getting ready for the day they could open. They completely transformed the space.

Last summer, this is how the storefront looked:

And today… a sneak-peak of how it looks while they finish up the last few details.

The exterior got a facelift.

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As did the back patio.

Sonia wants the cafe to be:

A small town gathering place where everyone is welcome and feels at home. 

Sonia Ybarra

Phase One Opening

On Friday June 26th, 2020, the Flatbed Baked Goods opened their doors with a limited selection of bakery items while they finished up the commercial kitchen.

“We would like you all to know that this is a baked goods store front. All items are made through our confectioners permit at this time in our home kitchen upstairs. We all have food handlers cards. This is why we have a limited supply of items. We will be opening a full service bakery and breakfast cafe as soon as we receive our commercial stove. We should be up and running the cafe soon.

Sonia Ybarra

Update August 19th, 2021

Phase Two Opening

In early August 2021, The Flatbed Ford cafe opened for breakfast! The focus has shifted away from strictly baked goods (although they still offer a selection) and more on breakfast and lunch. They will be open seven days a week from 6 am – 2 pm. To keep up with their specials and all things Flatbed, follow their Facebook page!

Show them how grateful the community is to have Flatbed Ford Cafe part of the ever-burgeoning Winslow Historic District! We certainly are pleased to have them across from our Motor Palace Mercantile, bringing more life to Kinsley Avenue.

Until next time…

Take it Easy