For as long as he can remember, Jonathan Peregrino wanted to do something culinary, but he wasn’t always sure what. Finally, in 2018, after 15 years in corporate America (plus a degree from Indiana University), he left to pursue his dream.
Peregrino, a first-generation Filipino American, moved to Detroit after attending the Academy of Pastry and Bakery Arts in the Philippines. He gained national visibility in 2020 competing on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. Last November, after working in notable local kitchens like those of Warda Patisserie, Tapped Coffee, Oak & Reel, and Le Suprême, he made his dreams come true with the opening of his Filipino-inspired bakery in Detroit’s New Center area.
JP Makes and Bakes features breads, pastries, and Filipino treats. You’ll find brownies and cookies made with ube (the bright-purple Filipino yam), or a coconut and brown sugar filling inside a slightly sweet pan de sal dinner roll. Peregrino explains how his use of nontraditional ingredients in these traditional Filipino sweets is introducing new flavors to and winning over the taste buds of metro Detroiters.
Did you always want a pastry shop?
I always thought I would open something savory, but baking and pastry always came naturally to me. My business side knows that bakery financials are much better. During the pandemic, I made things I missed growing up, and it made more sense when the interest picked up after doing my own thing at pop-ups.
Why this location — in New Center?
I live in Detroit and want to be a part of revitalizing this community. It’s busy here with three banks, office buildings, the Secretary of State, the Fisher Theatre, three hospitals, a university, and a lot of people passing by. There was nothing open before 11 a.m., so we are filling that early gap.
Do you offer only Filipino baked goods?
I include my heritage but say “bread, pastries, and Filipino treats — my way.” Not everything looks exactly as people may know them, but as a first-generation Filipino American, they’re traditional to me. We have six core items, all with my twist, and a savory bowl feature — something Filipino, flavorful, and simple, whatever I feel like making.
Were there any surprises?
It’s humbling to know I’m resonating with others. Filipinos nearby come here and thank me, because our bread is reminiscent of what they used to have or can’t find. I didn’t expect that. They’re even OK with my putting nontraditional berries, chocolate, or cream cheese inside the bibingkas. Those are fun tweaks to do, and I’m getting people to try something new.
Planning anything this year?
I’m sourcing a soft-serve machine to make ice cream with an ube feature daily. We’re testing a hybrid of pan de sal with a croissant by laminating the dough, and siopao, the Filipino version of a Chinese bao bun. I love working with chocolates, so I’m doing assorted boxes that say “Will ube mine?” for Valentine’s Day.
JP Makes and Bakes is located at 6529 Woodward Ave., Suite B, Detroit, and is open Wednesdays-Fridays from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 313-338-8595 or visit jpmakesandbakes.com for more information.
This story originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on Feb. 10.
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