For over eight decades, Easton Baking Company has been filling the streets of Pennsylvania with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. This family-owned institution isn’t just another bakery – it’s a slice of heaven where traditional recipes meet modern cravings.
Founded in 1943, this beloved establishment has earned its reputation as the go-to spot for everything from perfectly crusty Italian bread to mouthwatering tomato pie. While other bakeries have come and gone, Easton Baking Company’s commitment to quality and authenticity has kept locals coming back for generations. They’ve mastered the art of combining old-world charm with contemporary tastes, creating a unique experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Easton Baking Company
The Easton Baking Company started its journey in 1948 as a small family bakery in Pennsylvania’s historic district. Its founders established a reputation for exceptional quality baked goods using time-tested recipes from their Italian heritage.
A Family-Owned Legacy Since 1948
The Mosellie family launched Easton Baking Company in a modest storefront on Northampton Street. George Mosellie Sr. incorporated traditional Italian baking techniques learned from his father into every recipe. The bakery flourished under three generations of family leadership, with each generation adding their own innovations while preserving core recipes. Eric Mosellie expanded the business in the 1980s, introducing new products like specialty cakes while maintaining the bakery’s signature Italian bread production. Today’s operation continues to use original equipment, including a 1940s rotating deck oven that creates the distinctive crust on their famous tomato pies. Regular customers span multiple generations, with grandparents bringing grandchildren to experience the same authentic tastes they enjoyed in their youth.
Signature Baked Goods and Specialties
Easton Baking Company’s signature menu features a collection of traditional Italian baked goods created from time-tested family recipes. The bakery’s most sought-after items combine authentic ingredients with traditional baking methods.
Famous Tomato Pie
The signature tomato pie stands as Easton Baking Company’s most celebrated creation. Each pie features a thick focaccia-style crust topped with a distinctive sauce made from crushed Italian tomatoes seasoned with garlic oregano. The bakery produces 100+ tomato pies daily using their original 1940s rotating deck oven. Local food critics consistently rate this specialty item among Pennsylvania’s top 10 tomato pies. The decades-old recipe remains unchanged featuring hand-crushed tomatoes pressed into freshly baked dough creating a harmonious blend of textures flavors.
Fresh-Baked Breads and Rolls
Italian bread anchors Easton Baking Company’s daily bread selection. The bakery crafts 12 varieties of artisanal bread including sesame semolina sourdough rye. Every morning starts with fresh batches of dinner rolls Kaiser rolls hamburger buns. Traditional Italian loaves emerge from the ovens with golden-brown crusts crusty exteriors soft interiors. Special varieties include olive bread roasted garlic loaves sundried tomato focaccia. Customers line up early for warm bread especially during holidays when the bakery produces 3000+ rolls daily.
Inside the Historic Northampton Street Location
Located at 34 North 7th Street in Easton, Pennsylvania, the historic Northampton Street location features the original terrazzo flooring from 1948. Exposed brick walls showcase vintage baking equipment displays, including the first industrial mixer used by the Mosellie family.
The 2,800-square-foot space maintains its authentic character with:
- Custom-built wooden display cases from the 1950s
- Original brass light fixtures
- Hand-painted Italian murals depicting traditional bread making
- Vintage tin ceiling tiles
The bakery’s production area remains visible to customers through large glass windows, offering glimpses of:
- Three rotating deck ovens from the 1940s
- Industrial mixers dating to the 1960s
- Historic wooden proofing boxes
- Original marble countertops for pastry preparation
The retail space accommodates 20 customers at a time, featuring:
| Display Section | Items Showcased |
|---|---|
| Front Counter | 25+ pastries |
| Side Cases | 12 bread types |
| Corner Display | 8 cake designs |
| Window Display | Seasonal items |
Temperature-controlled glass cases preserve freshly baked goods throughout the day. Original tin signs advertising 5-cent loaves hang alongside modern digital menu boards, creating a blend of nostalgia with contemporary convenience.
Every morning at 4 AM, the aroma of fresh bread wafts through the building’s original ventilation system, drawing customers to the distinctive green awning that’s marked this location for over seven decades.
Community Impact and Local Traditions
Easton Baking Company stands as a cornerstone of local traditions in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. The bakery’s influence extends beyond its storefront, weaving into the fabric of community celebrations throughout the year.
Holiday Celebrations and Special Orders
The bakery processes over 500 special orders during major holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Customers place orders 3 weeks in advance for traditional holiday items such as hot cross buns during Lent, Italian Easter bread with dyed eggs and Christmas cookies decorated with family recipes. Easter season sees the production of 2,500 dozen hot cross buns while Christmas brings the creation of 1,800 cookie trays featuring 12 varieties of Italian cookies. The bakery’s tomato pies spike in demand during community festivals, with production reaching 300 pies daily during the annual Easton Heritage Day celebration. Local churches partner with the bakery for religious celebrations, ordering custom-decorated cakes for confirmations, first communions and parish anniversaries.
| Holiday Item | Production Volume |
|---|---|
| Hot Cross Buns | 2,500 dozen (Easter) |
| Cookie Trays | 1,800 (Christmas) |
| Tomato Pies | 300 daily (Heritage Day) |
| Special Orders | 500+ (Major Holidays) |
Modern Operations and Customer Experience
Easton Baking Company combines traditional methods with contemporary service standards in its daily operations. Digital ordering systems streamline the process for customers placing advance orders through the bakery’s mobile-optimized website. The establishment processes 250+ online orders weekly through its integrated point-of-sale system.
The retail space features digital display boards showcasing daily specials alongside traditional menu boards. Modern refrigeration systems maintain optimal temperatures for delicate pastries while preserving the authentic flavors customers expect. The bakery’s social media presence reaches 15,000+ followers across platforms, sharing daily specials and behind-the-scenes content.
Customer service remains personal despite technological upgrades:
- Counter staff greet regulars by name
- Bakers customize orders for dietary preferences
- Text notifications alert customers when special orders are ready
- Digital loyalty program tracks purchases and rewards frequent buyers
The production schedule adapts to modern shopping patterns:
| Time | Production Activity | Daily Output |
|---|---|---|
| 4 AM | Bread Baking | 400+ loaves |
| 6 AM | Pastry Production | 600+ pieces |
| 8 AM | Custom Orders | 50+ items |
| 2 PM | Specialty Items | 150+ pieces |
Quality control systems monitor temperature, humidity and baking times through digital sensors, ensuring consistency across all products. The bakery maintains food safety certification through annual audits and daily electronic logging procedures. Payment options include contactless transactions, mobile payments and traditional methods, accommodating diverse customer preferences.
Italian Bread Anchors
Easton Baking Company stands as a testament to the enduring power of family tradition quality and authenticity in the modern food industry. Their commitment to preserving time-honored recipes while embracing contemporary service methods has created an establishment that’s more than just a bakery – it’s a cherished community landmark.
The blend of old-world charm and modern convenience ensures that this Pennsylvania gem will continue delighting future generations with its legendary tomato pies signature breads and beloved Italian pastries. As Easton Baking Company moves forward it remains true to its roots proving that some traditions are worth preserving.
