Merzbacher's of Germantown

Merzbacher's of Germantown stands as a cornerstone of the Philadelphia food scene, renowned for moving beyond mere sustenance to craft bread that is a true catalyst for connection and a symbol of community. Rooted deeply in the regional food system of Pennsylvania, this Germantown-based bakery has garnered a loyal following across the state, from local Philadelphia residents to retail partners in surrounding areas. Their ethos is centered on the principle of 'Bread to Share,' blending time-honored artisan methods with a creative and accessible approach.

For residents across Pennsylvania looking for quality, honest, and truly local bread, Merzbacher’s offers an experience that is both exceptional and practical for daily life. The bakery’s journey, which began with founder Pete Merzbacher delivering loaves by bicycle under the name 'Philly Bread,' reflects an unshakeable instinct to share food and build community, a mission that remains at the heart of their larger, modern operation today. This deep commitment to craft and connection ensures that every loaf—from their naturally leavened Citywide Sourdough to their innovative signatures—brings quality and flavor to everyday moments, whether it's for a quick morning toast or a shared family dinner.

Their dedication is evident in their sourcing practices. They are committed to using 100% locally milled flour from Pennsylvania, strengthening the regional food system by partnering with mills like Snavely's in Lititz and sourcing cornmeal from Haldeman Mills in Manheim. This local focus ensures a freshness and flavor that distinguishes their products in the broader marketplace. When you choose a loaf from Merzbacher's, you are choosing quality ingredients backed by regional pride and a team of dedicated craftspeople who believe artisan quality should be accessible to everyone.

Location and Accessibility

Merzbacher's of Germantown is situated in a vibrant and historic part of Northwest Philadelphia, making it a proud fixture in the local neighborhood. Their facility is located on Germantown Avenue, a location that has allowed the team to feel a true sense of community and connection since moving there in 2019. This spot not only serves as their primary baking hub but also provides convenient ways for local customers to pick up their orders.

The address is 4530 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA. For customers traveling by car, accessibility is made easier with dedicated parking options. The bakery offers a free parking lot as well as the availability of free street parking, a great benefit in a bustling urban environment. For those who prefer a contactless or quick transaction, the bakery has established a retail window for easy walk-up and pick-up orders. This blend of strong local roots and practical customer convenience ensures Merzbacher's is an easy and welcoming stop for Philadelphia locals and visitors alike seeking fresh, warm bread.

Services Offered

Merzbacher's of Germantown offers several convenient ways for customers to enjoy their freshly baked products, ensuring their mission of sharing bread is easily achieved. Their service model caters to both individual consumers and wholesale partners.

• Curbside Pickup: A convenient option for quick, contactless retrieval of orders, allowing customers to easily grab their fresh bread without having to enter the facility.
• Takeout / Walk-up Orders: Customers can purchase bread directly from the venue, often through a convenient window where products are available and sometimes still warm and fragrant.
• Delivery: The bakery provides delivery options, bringing their exceptional loaves directly to customers and partners within their service area.
• Wholesale Partnership: Merzbacher's is a key wholesale supplier for local restaurants, cafes, and grocery/retail stores across the greater Philadelphia area, including popular establishments and natural food markets like Kimberton Whole Foods and Mom's Organic Market.
• Payment Options: The bakery accepts various modern payment methods, including debit cards and credit cards, making transactions smooth and straightforward.
• Online Ordering: Wholesale customers utilize an online ordering system for reliable and quick procurement of their products.

Features / Highlights of the Bakery

Merzbacher's of Germantown is distinguished by a unique combination of innovative products, a steadfast commitment to quality, and a profound sense of community involvement. These highlights are what make it a beloved institution among Pennsylvania residents who value quality and ethical business practices.

• Signature and Unique Products: The bakery is famous for its innovative takes on classic staples, most notably the

  Philly Muffin

  —a square-ish, sourdough-based muffin made with freshly milled cornmeal, perfect for breakfast sandwiches or simple butter and jam. Other signatures include the tender

  Sweet Potato Buns

  , the hearty

  Maltygrain

  (a 50% whole wheat loaf with toasted beer malts and PA oats), the

  Citywide Sourdough

  , and the indulgent

  French Toast Loaf

  .
• Commitment to Local Pennsylvania Sourcing: Merzbacher's proudly sources 100% of its white, wheat, and rye flours from Snavely's Mill in Lititz, PA. Their cornmeal is toasted at Haldeman Mills in Manheim, and they use canola oil grown and cold-pressed in Pennsylvania by Susquehanna Mills. This local sourcing supports regional farmers and ensures incredibly fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• All-Vegan and GMO-Free Offerings: Every loaf, roll, and muffin produced by the bakery is 100% vegan and GMO-free, making their high-quality artisan bread accessible to those with various dietary considerations.
• Artisan Methods and Creativity: The baking process blends traditional artisan methods, such as natural leavening and long fermentation, with a constant creative spirit. The owner, Peter Merzbacher, emphasizes an intuitive approach, allowing the dough to guide the process, which leads to unique, exceptional, and consistent products.
• Community and Social Commitment: The bakery operates with a strong neighborly value. They actively support the local community by supplying products to community fridges and are focused on being a dependable employer, aiming to pay employees a living wage. They measure their success by the community they strengthen, not just by product innovation.
• Dependable Quality and Shelf Life: Merzbacher's focuses on creating bread that is dependable for daily use, offering a longer shelf life (up to 5 days when properly stored) than typical artisan loaves without the use of preservatives.

Contact Information

For wholesale inquiries, retail orders, or general questions, Merzbacher's of Germantown can be contacted using the following information:

Address: 4530 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA

Phone: (215) 298-9141

Customers are encouraged to reach out to the bakery team directly to learn more about product availability or wholesale opportunities.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Merzbacher's of Germantown is an investment in exceptional taste, ethical sourcing, and community support. The primary reason to select this bakery is the superior quality of their artisan bread, crafted to be both sophisticated for special occasions and humble enough for everyday enjoyment. As one satisfied customer noted regarding the Sweet Potato Pullman, it is absolutely "Amazing toasted!" and something that should never stop being made. The bread’s fluffy yet substantial texture is frequently highlighted in reviews, confirming the commitment to quality ingredients free from preservatives.

The

Sweet Potato Pullman

Philly Muffin

French Toast Loaf

Beyond the taste, Merzbacher’s commitment to being a "neighborly" business resonates deeply within the Pennsylvania community. They are actively charitable, donating to local food fridges and ensuring their business practices are ethical and supportive of their employees and local suppliers. By purchasing bread here, you are supporting a business that is driven by a mission to use food as a vehicle for community building, strengthening the regional food system one loaf at a time. Whether you're purchasing warm bread fresh from their window, or finding a loaf at a local grocery store like Kimberton's, choosing Merzbacher's means choosing a product that truly embodies regional pride and culinary excellence. It is honest bread, fairly priced, and intentionally made—a true Germantown gem.

Merzbacher's of Germantown

4530 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA