Italian Peoples Bakery

A true landmark of Central New Jersey, the Italian Peoples Bakery has been a cornerstone of the Trenton community for nearly nine decades. Established in 1936 by Italian immigrant Pasquale Gervasio in the historic Chambersburg neighborhood, this bakery is more than just a place to buy bread; it is a vital piece of local heritage and a multi-generational family success story. What began as a small operation with a single brick oven focused on making exceptional bread has blossomed into a wholesale-retail institution known across New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.

The bakery remains committed to the exacting standards set by its founder: using great ingredients, produced with no additives or preservatives. This dedication to quality is why New Jersey residents consider Italian Peoples Bakery’s artisan breads, rolls, and hoagies to be legendary. Over the years, the business expanded beyond just bread to include a full deli counter and a vast array of Italian pastries, making it a one-stop shop for everything from daily bread to custom celebration cakes. Today, the business is guided by the fourth generation of the founding family, continuing a rich tradition that anchors the vibrant food scene of Trenton.

The scope of their operation is impressive, highlighting their role as a significant local producer. They reportedly use 45,000 pounds of flour weekly to produce an enormous quantity of baked goods, including approximately 27,000 dozen rolls and 67,500 loaves of bread each week. This high-volume production, while rooted in traditional Italian baking techniques, also serves over 450 supermarkets, restaurants, and organizations daily in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, cementing their status as a regional food supplier and a source of local pride, often referred to as the “Pride of Chambersburg.”

The heart and main production facility of the Italian Peoples Bakery remains in its historic Trenton location in the Chambersburg neighborhood. This flagship store is the spot where the magic happens and where the daily aroma of fresh-baked goods attracts loyal customers from near and far.

• Address: 63 Butler St, Trenton, NJ 08611, USA

For New Jersey locals, the bakery offers convenient access options to fit a busy schedule. Customers have access to free street parking nearby, making a quick visit feasible. The bakery accepts a variety of payment methods, including major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments, and importantly, is also equipped to accept SNAP/EBT payments, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of community members. While this Trenton location is the primary hub, the bakery has also expanded its reach, with satellite locations in Mercerville, NJ, and Levittown, PA, making their beloved products more accessible across the region.

The Italian Peoples Bakery provides a comprehensive range of services, blending traditional baking with modern convenience:

• Fresh Artisan Bread and Rolls: A vast selection, including the famous Torpedo Roll, Plain Stick, Kaiser Rolls, Wheat Rolls, and specialty breads like rye and sourdough (stemming from their acquisition of Frey's Baking Company in 1986).
• Full-Service Deli: Offering a wide variety of high-quality meats and cheeses to create their legendary hoagies and sandwiches, including the hugely popular Italian Hoagie and Roast Beef Sandwich.
• Hoagies and Sandwiches: A large menu featuring classic meat sandwiches like Imported Prosciutto, Roasted Turkey Breast, and Mortadella, alongside cheese and salad sandwiches like Cooper Sharp Cheese and Tuna Salad.
• Italian Pastries and Desserts: A decadent array of sweet treats, including the classic Cannoli, Tiramisu, Tres Leche, Brownies, and various cake slices.
• Custom Cakes: Specializing in custom cakes for all occasions, a service particularly noted by customers for weddings and large parties, with flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Italian Rum Cake.
• Breakfast and Coffee: A selection of coffee is available, and the bakery is noted as a dining option for a quick morning visit.
• Multiple Fulfillment Options: Customers can choose from Delivery, In-store pickup, Onsite services, and Takeout, catering to different needs.
• Wholesale Distribution: Supplying their famous breads and rolls to over 450 businesses and organizations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The distinguishing features of Italian Peoples Bakery go beyond their product list, speaking to their enduring legacy and quality:

• Historic Legacy: Established in 1936, the bakery has operated for over eight decades, marking it as a true generational business and a historical staple in the Chambersburg neighborhood.
• Renowned Bread Quality: The bakery's reputation was built on its exceptional, fresh-baked bread and rolls, which are made without preservatives and baked multiple times a day.
• The Italian Hoagie Magnet: Customer reviews repeatedly highlight the Italian Hoagie as an absolute must-try, often praising the quality of the bread and the fresh ingredients used in the deli.
• Commitment to Community: A strong local presence that adapts to the neighborhood, as noted by customers who appreciate the inclusion of items like pork roll alongside traditional Italian fare.
• All-Season Operation: The Trenton location is known for being open 365 days a year, ensuring customers can count on fresh bread and treats even on major holidays like Christmas.
• Holiday Staple: The bakery is an essential stop for many New Jersey families during the holidays, with products like their renowned "half torps" (dinner rolls) being a major draw during seasons like Christmas.

For orders, inquiries, or just to check current operating details, you can contact the main Trenton location directly:

• Address: 63 Butler St, Trenton, NJ 08611, USA
• Phone: (609) 394-7161

When visiting a bakery with such a storied history and vast selection, it can be hard to choose. However, the true essence of Italian Peoples Bakery lies in their staples—products that have kept customers coming back for decades.

The absolute top-tier choice must be their breads and rolls. Whether it's a Plain Stick or a Seeded Stick for dinner, the substantial, fresh loaves are the foundation of their reputation. For an iconic local experience, you must try their Torpedo Roll or 1/2 Torp, which is frequently mentioned as the perfect roll for any sandwich. Customers often testify that the bread is so good, it is worth the drive from anywhere in the state.

Secondly, a trip is incomplete without experiencing their Italian Hoagie. Made with their famously fresh bread and high-quality deli meats, the hoagie is widely considered by locals to be among the best in the region. The marriage of perfect bread and quality ingredients creates a sandwich experience that many regard as unparalleled in Trenton.

Finally, to satisfy a sweet craving, the Cannoli and Tiramisu are essential Italian dessert choices. The bakery’s large selection of Italian pastries and cakes, especially the custom creations, also make it the go-to destination for family celebrations, ensuring that the centerpiece of your event—the cake—is both beautiful and memorable. For nearly ninety years, Italian Peoples Bakery has provided New Jersey with a taste of authentic Italian tradition, making it an essential local business worth supporting and visiting today.

Italian Peoples Bakery

63 Butler St, Trenton, NJ 08611, USA