Entrepreneur Tom Whitman is whisking new life into McMillan’s Bakery, a New Jersey staple and neighborhood favorite since 1939.
“One of my old friends was good friends with the grandson [Doug Biemiller] of the founders. He expressed interest in continuing on and I met with him. The grandson and I became fast friends. We came to an understanding and agreement of how to proceed. I purchased it, started demolition right away and the town’s being wonderful with me,” Whitman told What Now Philadelphia.
McMillan’s Bakery shut its doors on May 18 after 86 years in business.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support! Thank you to our founders Evelyn and George McMillan for the gift you have given all of us–our family, our employees, and our amazing customers! We are going to try to do you all proud today and close the door with our heads held high and a cream donut in hand!” The shop shared via Facebook on the last day.
Whitman is no stranger to acquiring businesses. He 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. Whitman also owns a pizzelle company that ships cookies nationwide and spent more than 30 years as a Domino’s franchisee.
“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 said.
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.”
While he plans to keep McMillan’s Bakery’s tradition alive, he will give it a modern update.
“I’m putting in new lights, new shields, new walls, new floors, new plumbing, new heating, new HVAC. Then outside, I’m going to polish it up,” Whitman said.
The bakery will continue offering the pastries and foods it’s known and loved for, with Whitman assuring, “The formulation is going to be the same.”
Whitman said he expects McMillan’s Bakery to reopen February 2 next year. For updates, visit the bakery’s Facebook page.
