South Jersey’s bakery scene is about to get even sweeter as Del Buono’s Bakery and DiBartolo’s Kakery prepare to partner this summer.
The businesses will debut at 15 Haddon Ave. in the former McMillan’s Bakery space. Del Buono’s Bakery owner Tom Whitman purchased the building last year and recently invited acclaimed cake artist Al DiBartolo to join, bringing the longtime South Jersey baker back to where his career began.
“It’s a big deal. Tom’s giving me a wonderful opportunity. It’s exciting because it’s two really established brands—Del Buono’s is turning 100 years old and my place was open for 54 years. It’s going to be a great mix of clientele,” DiBartolo told What Now Philadelphia.
DiBartolo has worked in the cake business locally and nationally for nearly 30 years. He competed on several television baking competitions, including Next Great Baker, Halloween Wars, Holiday Wars, Buddy vs. Duff and The Big Bake, winning multiple Food Network titles along the way.
“It’s a nice thing [to be back.] I would make cakes for customers for their children with Barney, and then now they’re graduating or getting married, so I have a long, long customer base. I think it’s really exciting for me to officially be back on that avenue,” he said.
Whitman purchased Del Buono’s Bakery in Haddon Heights 12 years ago, a spot he and his mom visited as a child for pastries and rolls. Eight years ago, he added Carmen’s Deli in Bellmawr to his portfolio.
“My parents passed away right after I bought the bakery [Del Buono’s], so they got to see me achieve my goals. I’m just like my mom—I’m tenacious,” Whitman previously told What Now Philadelphia.
He continued, “It’s definitely a labor of love. I upgrade things, that’s what I do. I make them the same as they were on steroids. I get better, more modern, worker-friendly equipment.”
The space will be divided into two distinct sides when customers walk through the door.
“This is going to be like an old-fashioned, leaning modern bakery. When you walk in, it’s split in two. You’ll have the donut side, you’ll have the cakery side. There’s going to be bread all around. You can get everything in one stop,” DiBartolo said.
DiBartolo plans to serve his signature cakes, including pound cake, Italian rum cake and cupcakes, along with Italian cookies. Known for his 3D cake designs, he will also create custom celebration cakes and offer wedding cake consultations.
Beyond serving sweets, the bakery will give customers a chance to get in on the action with cake decorating classes, behind-the-scenes demonstrations and special events.
“I really love doing classes, I’m a teacher at heart,” DiBartolo said. “I make sure everyone leaves super successful. I do it all in steps. I usually come up with a theme that the beginner or novice can execute.”
The bakery plans to open by the end of August, just in time for Labor Day.
“My goal with this bakery is that I want everyone to be able to walk in and be able to buy something they like. Everybody celebrates something—every culture, every demographic—so cake is really important,” he said.
