Rooted in Community, Driven by Craft.

Our story begins with a young baker's raw, contagious love for sharing bread with friends, neighbors, and strangers. Driven by a hunger for belonging and a passion for exceptional bread, Pete Merzbacher—new to Philly—embarked on an underdog’s journey that would generate unique creations like our beloved Philly Muffin and Sweet Potato Buns.

From humble beginnings—working overnight in borrowed pizzerias, making dawn deliveries by bicycle, and living in a bakery closet for five years—we've poured our hearts into reimagining what bread can be. Today, we're a team of dedicated craftspeople who believe that artisan quality should be accessible to everyone. Our success is measured not just by our innovative products, but by the community we strengthen, one loaf at a time.

  • Pete had already outgrown his home kitchen and began renting a West Philly pizzeria during their off hours.

    After a couple of months, the quiet pizzeria effectively became a busy bakery and Pete realized his project might be a business. 

    April 2013

  • The rapidly-growing bakery required another size up—this time to Olney.

    Pete moved the business to an empty Tunisian bakery in the heart of the Olney neighborhood (4905 N 5th St.).

    September 2013

  • Philly Bread transitioned from a one-man show to a team-oriented wholesale bread bakery.

    First, there were some packers, then some drivers, and eventually assistant bakers, overnight cleaners, and business administrators. 

    2013-2018

  • After hand-shaping a few million muffins and hauling sacks of flour up and down two flights of steps, Pete decided to find the bakery a more permanent home.

    He signed a lease for a bigger facility with upgraded equipment in Germantown. 

    January 2018

  • Philly Bread moved into the new Germantown location (and got a name change!).

    In this historic setting, the team felt a true sense of community—and decided it was time for a name change.

    March 2019

Hot Off the Press

  • How Merzbacher’s Bread Bakery Runs Philly’s Cheesesteak Scene

    The Philadelphia bakery makes wholesale artisan bread for local restaurants and big box stores 

    EATER

  • Philly Bread Rebrands as Merzbacher's After Moving to Germantown

    The bakery best known for the Philly Muffin is also opening a pickup window for online & walkup orders.

    PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

  • The 2023 Philadelphia Forty Under 40

    Meet the next generation of rising stars in Philadelphia.

    Peter Merzbacher Founder and Owner, Merzbacher’s of Germantown

    CITY & STATE PENNSYLVANIA