Fresh Hot Bread Every Hour Since 1962
Calandra’s Bakeries have been a staple in New Jersey since Luciano Calandra, an Italian immigrant, opened his first bakery in Newark in 1962. We visit Calandra's Italian Village in Caldwell, NJ to talk with Thomas Calandra, part of the third-generation of the Calandra family. Although the family’s business has grown substantially since 1962, two things remain unchanged: Calandra’s Bakery is still synonymous with delicious bread (available hot and fresh every hour), and the family remains driven by hard work, traditional family values, and a focus on customer service.
Segment 1
Mike and Thomas discuss the history of Calandra's. Luciano Calandra, an Italian immigrant, had been in America for just five years when he went into business for himself and opened a small Italian and French bakery. Mr. Calandra and his wife Ortenza worked hard day and night, and their bakery quickly developed a reputation for producing delicious bread. Not only did Mr. Calandra teach his sons the inner workings of the bakery, but he also instilled in them his business principles: a strong work ethic, an emphasis on family, and a belief that the customer is always right.
Today in New Jersey History: Thomas Alva Edison passes away at his home in West Orange, NJ on October 18, 1931.
Segment 2
Thomas discusses some of the ways Calandra's has been able to continue to provide high quality customer service and products throughout the pandemic. From their tricked-out tents to providing take-home meals, Thomas, his family, and his staff worked tirelessly to ensure the business remained profitable and their communities had access to them. They also talked about the old adage "the first generation starts the business, the second generation grows the business, and the third generation kills the business." Thomas, his siblings and his cousins are working harder than ever to buck that trend to continue to bring the Calandra's name to more households throughout the state.
New Jersey Fun Fact: The streets in the board game Monopoly are named after actual streets in Atlantic City, NJ.
Segment 3
Calandra's Bakery has become an iconic brand in not only Essex County, but throughout the state of New Jersey and beyond. To accomplish this, the communities they serve are not only their customers but an extension of their family. Giving back is extremely important to the Calandra family, starting back in 1962 when Luciano would provide bread to police officers, firefighters, and other front line workers. That continues to this day as Calandra's continues to serve teachers, healthcare workers, churches, and everyone else that makes up a community.
Addresses:
Newark – 204 First Ave., Newark, NJ 07107
Fairfield – 244 U.S. Highway 46, Fairfield, NJ 07004
Caldwell – 234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006
Website & Social:
www.calandrasbakery.com
@calandrasbakery
Thank you to our sponsors:
Calandra's Bakery and Restaurants www.calandrasbakery.com
Albert & Whitney CPAs www.awcpasllc.com
TRJ Consulting Services www.trjconsultingservices.com
Contact the show: greetingsfromthegardenstate@gmail.com
Website: greetingsfromthegardenstate.com
Follow us on Instagram: @greetingsfromthegardenstate
Music (used with permission): "Crazy" by Manny Cabo https://www.mannycabo.com/
