Metropolitan Bakery, a beloved Philadelphia institution known for its artisan breads and pastries, has been sold after 32 years of serving the city.
“It has been an honor to serve you and to be part of your holidays, celebrations and daily life. Thank you for everything, Philadelphia. Be good to each other,” former owners James Barrett and Wendy Smith Born said in a social media post.
Fans of the beloved bakery can rest assured: Pete Merzbacher of Merzbacher’s of Germantown, another city bakery celebrated for its breads, has acquired the brand.
The former owners described Merzbacher’s as “an artisan bakery that shares our passion for naturally leavened, old-world style breadmaking and exceptional customer service.” Choosing Merzbacher as the buyer was a natural decision, ensuring the bakery’s legacy would continue.
“We’re honored that they chose us to carry the work forward. The bread you love isn’t going anywhere. Same recipes, same delivery, same care,” Merzbacher said in a social media post.
Merzbacher’s delights include the “Philly Muffin,” a sourdough muffin with freshly milled cornmeal, and “Sweet Potato Buns,” a modern twist on the classic potato bun made with slow-roasted sweet potatoes.
“We started in 2013, renting pizzerias at night and delivering bread by bike, with five accounts and a lot of flour. We’ve grown since then, but our approach hasn’t changed: we make the bread we want to eat,” the post continued.
During the transition, Barrett will serve as a consultant to assist with production, while Merzbacher plans to retain Metropolitan Bakery’s employees and double the business, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Merzbacher’s staff will first train at Metropolitan Bakery’s production facility in Fishtown before eventually shifting all baking operations to Merzbacher’s Germantown facility. The former bakery’s signature breads, rolls and granola will remain available online and at specialty stores and markets across the region.
While Merzbacher said he considered keeping Metropolitan Bakery’s 19th Street storefront open, he ultimately chose not to, telling the outlet he “didn’t want to overpromise and underdeliver.” Instead, both bakery brands will eventually be offered under one roof, with products available for pre-order pickup at Merzbacher’s retail window from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., every day except Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Merzbacher said he is eager to learn the ropes of the iconic brand and hopes to expand in the future, but for now plans to take everything “one foot in front of the other.”
Those hoping to get their Metropolitan Bakery fix still have time, as the bakery will officially close on Sunday, March 15.
Visit Merzbacher’s of Germantown website and follow the bakery on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the transition.
