How Merzbacher's Bakery Creates Some of Philadelphia's Favorite Bread - Vendors

At Merzbacher’s bakery in Philadelphia, owner Pete Merzbacher pays attention to every detail when it comes to making fresh bread. He sells his coveted loaves and buns to local grocery stores and restaurants that use them to make some of the best cheesesteaks in town.
Credits:
Producers: Carla Francescutti, Pelin Keskin
Director: Carla Francescutti
Camera: Carla Francescutti, Murilo Ferreira
Editor: Scott Kan
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Coordinating Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Engagement: Daniel Geneen, Terri Ciccone
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[@ethernet69]

I love his passion, enthusiasm and dedication to his craft. Such a great story.

[@jonathanmw4216]

Couldn't agree more

[@SecularDarwinism]

You couldn't have said it better!

[@GeneralDisarray1892]

Cherry on top was seeing his store aisle prices beating the national competitors.

[@conradritchie2236]

Bread is worthy of passion and enthusiasm!! So much attention goes into what goes INSIDE a sandwich, but good bread is one the best things in the world!

[@Viggggggr]

Trash and borning just another business trying to act good. Don’t buy it. Sure they got good bread but who cares it’s not the worlds best just a generic shop

[@marxot11]

The fact that he drives and delivers them to his valued customer shows how passionate this guy is. Salute!

[@afaketwo]

You heard him . he's doing it for the free cheesesteak. The value for the customer comes natural.

[@MrDW72]

hey baker...why the FUCCCCC is the peel touching THE FLOOR!!! STANDARDS BRO!!! STANDARDS!!!! WE HAVE TO BE BETTER..CLEANINESSS IS LIFE CHANING!!! CMON NOW.

[@RecK1312]

@@MrDW72 get a life kid

[@StanDaMan4487]

He couldn't afford a delivery driver

[@drpharaoh1508]

@@MrDW72 not only that but he is playing in his shoes while sitting down but he is wearing a dirty stained mask you gotta give him that tho

[@kennytieshisshoes]

Okay so he is very humbled and half way through as I am grilling burgers I think “let me double check the brand of rolls I have” sure enough it’s his brand via Philly food works! And they are amazing!

[@Makitoz274]

Stop lying

[@lalala__]

Hearing someone pour everything into one thing and get the returns is amazing but it takes hard work and lots of sweat

[@m1xxified]

I dont think sweat is a good ingredient for bread

[@mitocloxo8197]

Nah, if there's no salt, they can substitute it with sweat. 😂😂😂

[@fizzpop6543]

@@mitocloxo8197 No need for yeast either that way.

[@cpkfolief]

The sweat gives the bread flavor.

[@cheftomsd]

This guy is who you want as a bread supplier. Perfect attention to detail and consistent quality.

[@andreafryer6937]

Merzbachers bread is amazing! I have been enjoying Philly Muffins since Pete was delivering them on his bicycle.

[@buckbuck9225]

Amazing. actually ??

[@ittimjones]

Tell him to send them to the rest of PA! I can't find any good bread in central PA. 🙇

[@senorchavez9118]

@@Lousasshol more like a steak in the oven

[@chunkyegg8472]

@@Lousasshol you're pfp picture explains too much about your commet

[@infin8..1]

So skilled, yet humble.

[@Belioyt]

Yes, his passion is contagious

[@holdencaulfield1757]

Would be better if uses gloves

[@Belioyt]

@@holdencaulfield1757 do you use gloves when making your food? The temperatures (and length of time at those temperatures) involved while baking bread makes any concerns about bacteria moot.

[@holdencaulfield1757]

@@Belioyt when I prepare my food yes sometimes or no gloves at all. Those breads are served to multiple businesses and would be safer to use gloves ...

[@IronMikeThyson]

@@holdencaulfield1757 don't like it, don't eat it bozo.

[@DuhBla]

This guy definitely smells good, he's worked at the place for 8 years staying there from dawn to dusk. The "bread smell" is deeply ingrained in him. Definitely dating material. What a guy.

[@migz8911]

😂😂😂

[@buckbuck9225]

Smell the desperation....

[@DaRealPhillyJawn]

I'm sure women dig the smell of yeast....

[@DuhBla]

@@DaRealPhillyJawn Bread smell dude, the smell of fresh bread?

[@morishimaharuka8754]

you just like bread

[@blipblop5757]

Surely, one of the best vendor videos. Loved seeing this guy talk about bread.

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

... but NOT WEARING HIS GLOVES, EEEEW!

[@minlyan_]

@@majoroldladyakamom6948 do you know how food is made

[@thomasclark6642]

@@majoroldladyakamom6948 gloves are less hygienic

[@novacyther7677]

he probably washes his hand before and after each bake

[@cameronthompson9027]

Haha gloves are not efficient at all, I wash my hands over 100 times a day in my bakery

[@iainburgess8577]

"Ive just messed up hundreds of batches of dough.." Well, that's one definition for mastery. The willingness to try, to fail, to learn, & to work mean the rest will come with time. Deeply impressed by this guy.

[@BadYossa]

As a Chef, I was totally blown away by the passion and sheer knowledge of this amazing man. Definitely someone I'd enjoy having a beer with! 11/10

[@pardeepsohal377]

Ku&!’h. C ] ]]]ke§ke §vvty15-]M h u g.uukoF,yvdtttukll;’\\. ,😅.

[@cheftomsd]

Retired chef here. Been stung a few times by flaky bakeries. One of the worst was for a Mother's Day buffet with 800 reservations and my bakery order was a no show. 2 days later they shut their doors with no notice after 20 years in business and I had been a customer for at least 10 years.

[@josheden832]

Always bring a smile to my face when people are describing their passion. So sweet and wholesome to watch.

[@bushidobrown9857]

It's people like these that make me so proud to be a part of this industry. Such passion

[@EricTangOfficial]

The dedication and passion that he exhibits is contagious! Makes me excited about bread and happy to support such a humble yet amazing baker

[@KCNwokoye]

A classic entrepreneur. So much passion, curiosity, enthusiasm and charisma that powers his mission and vision.

[@tellodoroteos5976]

Owning a bakery is not for the faint of heart..long hours and hard work...but man is it ever rewarding.

[@katarinawidjaja8682]

you can tell he's experienced - and talented.

[@RoseUnseen]

OH DUCK UP

[@damnedtolive9121]

Honestly, 8 years, he has some experience. Good experience. But this dude has a hella talent. It's like, some people learn math, and their brains just click into warp speed. This dude learned to bake and he became the 21st century einstein of bread.

[@piplup10203854]

I really love seeing these behind the scenes. I wish there were a whole lot more of them because I think it’s important to see and appreciate the process. We often take granite how much work goes into getting a meal and they’re not making a lot and people nickel and dime wanting it cheaper but good quality hard work for a product like that takes time and effort and is worth the money. I gladly pay for the bread I get and it’s worth it to me for that extra cost.

[@jenniferatwell9698]

What I love about all these videos is you get to see how much love and hard work and dedication this guy puts into every batch of bread he puts out.. He seems like a great guy. And there are a lot worse things to smell like at the end of the day. Also, walking past a bakery early in the morning.. mmm.. nothing else like it. The smell of fresh baked bread and sunrise.. sounds like a slice of heaven.

[@Qub3rs]

I love to watch people who are very passionate about the work they do. This man embodies that kind of passion.

[@samanthamorgan8117]

Bread Baking is something that either really grabs you or doesn’t. I definitely fell in love with it.

[@AntwonTX]

This was inspirational. The man went from a bike to a carsharing service to his own truck. Talk about dedication and determination.

[@brianmorgan4792]

I bet that place smells amazing

[@markmccormick7877]

Fitting that I’m eating my breakfast sandwich this morning with one of their English muffins.

[@debbiemarquis3231]

Show off

[@Polandsyndromebodybuilding]

Well done sir

[@earlj.d.6285]

Anyone who has put years into something and still nerds out over it, that’s who you support. There’s a passion that needs to be backed

[@heatheyleathey]

I love this gentleman's love and general enthusiasm for his craft. I can't wait to visit Philly again just to get some of that bread. Keep up the good work!

[@gr8tgee]

I love his enthusiasm for putting out a great product, keep up the great work. And the buns at 13:21 look amazing👏 🙂

[@panative8631]

I ain’t made at it !

[@squirrelboss7067]

👏😂

[@jaymoto8743]

Bread bakery is typically is not for the youngins. Dude looks like 35, but sounds and runs the place like he's 65. Most bakers take their craft and later blend in some science, this dude took science and evolved it into a craft. BRAVO!👏

[@mwethereld]

It is always a pleasure to see someone passionate about the trade they are in. I wish him every success in his future endeavors! And also thank Eater for the gems of content they push out into the world!

[@submarineradioman5535]

I live in Wilkes Barre now but was born in Philly. This is why I drive over two hours one way to Philly for cheezesteaks and rolls...

[@ryanrosenblum2552]

I love this guy, the passion and enthusiasm is truly infectious its nice to see someone truly care there product and customers

[@lonecrusaider]

4:24 Thats the mark of a true chef. Thats what someone who has a true love for the quality. I have a scone recipe that no one can match to date but comes out that way because I watch it. This man is a true chef.

[@charlesmaguire8836]

Wonderful video sharing the creation of bread and all it’s intricacies. Ancient ingredients so Simple but incredibly complicated - responding to environmental conditions, precise measurements, elasticity etc. The Baker’s passion, genuine caring and professional is a model which is very inspiring and uplifting. Well done young man I tip my hat to you. Blessings Always!

[@ptravers9077]

Hands down a true American story of trying hard and never letting anything stop you ..

[@scuffedcomedy4819]

This guy is amazing, with that kind of attitude and energy he can achieve anything he wants.

[@micahelliott8929]

As someone from the philly region, i can tell you this bread is LEGIT!! Go to any small italian sandwich shop (bonus points if its attached to a Tabaco/licor store in the philly area and if it has good bread, chances are the bread is from merzbachers or liscios.

[@bubbalo3388]

Bread and pastry bakers are at another level. There isn't much room for error unlike cooking.

[@andyzhang7890]

I love it when someone is so passionate for something it’s infectious. Mad respect

[@alvinabuan2815]

The "not so secret anymore" means dedication and passion giving secret ingredients formula to anyone. Some are not. Gonna try it 🙂

[@Samoatupo]

I would work for a owner like this. Pay may be low but his passion is what we all need

[@emrah8630]

That crunch when he bit into it tells you everything yumm!!

[@budluo]

I actually drove by his shop once, saw the sign, and was wondering how you could get in. Not sure if the Giants nearby would carry his bread but will definitely check it out. Go Pete!

[@buckbuck9225]

You "actually" drove there?

[@budluo]

@@buckbuck9225 If you play Pokemon Go in the Philly area and you drive around to spin the Poke stops, you bound to run into/by a lot of interesting places. Germantown Pike is a popular route for many players. See the link for his shop. goo.gl/maps/imfYut6sqXFrFTYc6

[@user-pj1ec5om5g]

@@budluo and people say video games are a bad thing smh

[@rusnsc7622]

Great to see the passion and care that is integral to his craft....who doesn’t like fresh “good” bread 🥖. Good story.

[@hoobajoob1]

after 15 years in fine dining experience i can say this is some of the best bread i have ever tasted

[@gebbert2245]

Then you have to try german bread :) We get it everyday in at least the same quality and it is very nice

[@moreaupascal56]

@@gebbert2245 yes as french the bread don't look bad but I would be disappointed if i get that in a bakery

[@MrSoapbubbles]

wow that rounder was satisfying! great video

[@rlb2444]

Very impressive! So humble, hard-working, knowledgeable with a passion for quality. It's got his name on it and he has pride to make the best. This is grad class example! Loved the vid!

[@markwickremasinghe3514]

It's passion for what you do and man he has got plenty of that.....love it ,the very best to you and the people around you.

[@heavyq]

The passion this man has for his bread is the passion I wish I had for anything.

[@GabrielEvans]

These guys are beloved in Philly. Keep it up guys! Nice to see Ari too! Much love.

[@Back_To_Basics]

So down to earth and honest with the way he speak.

[@markromero930]

This guy is amazing. Never had his bread but I’ll keep my eyes open for it.

[@Tom_Samad]

Love his passion and enthusiasm! I hope he passes down his business (and passion) to his children or future children and then they can pass down the family business to their children and so on and so forth.

[@Jolemite00]

Shorty yeeked up at 13:21

[@DZY49er]

She be eating her bread fo sho

[@bradenharris4997]

Love watching this! His passion & dedication to his craft Absolutely comes through! (Great!) 😃

[@irmadwis]

omg, i like the way he explained about his bakery. soo talented and i learned so much from this video

[@thisduderockz]

amazing. passionate and knowledgeable and it shows. a timeless tradition preserved.

[@TheQuangBang]

Kudos to Merzbacher"s. For lovers of fresh bread: you will find bakeries with high quality products like these in every town as small as you could possibly find, if not village in Germany.

[@giltoken253]

much respect to this bread man. I can appreciate his passion for bread

[@emmanuelsebastiao3176]

this guy is pure magic .. well done to him

[@allanali8215]

He shows a lot of passion for his gift

[@joshuapatrick682]

My first bread memory was my Mimi’s handmade sourdough rolls. I love her:)

[@caburetsss]

entusiasmo contagiante...wow

[@maxagrad8355]

Loved watching this!

[@muffinhead8268]

And now he’s on my recommended on a channel with millions of subs, good for him!

[@sarundayo]

Great buns @13:22 😎👌💓

[@rauljordanpanganiban9702]

Good call

[@Aziz-00]

Philly is notorious for being picky with bread, to make it there u know its good.

[@ihateregistrationbul]

it's always been the bread for hoagies, steaks, and even roast porks.

[@GeorgeLiquor]

I've lived in Philadelphia my entire life and have never heard of this place

[@ac1281]

@@GeorgeLiquor me either but who would want to eat bread by itself you feel me? I don't like up places were I can get bread.

[@jasonfullerton7763]

There is a chain of stores in the Bay Area that sells proper Philly cheesesteaks. I went in one and it was a slow time (between lunch and dinner), so I was the only customer and the owner happened to be the only employee present. He knew I was from Philly as soon as I placed my order ("American with an a bottle ah wuder" to see how he would react), so we chatted a bit. Obv he moved to SF from Philly. I found out they fly in their bread from Philly, because as known as SF is for bread he couldn't find a proper Italian roll anywhere local. 10/10 on the steak that day. The consistency isn't always there (it's a chain after all, the same happens with Geno's and Tony Luke's at PHL) but I try to get one each time I visit.

[@williamsmith7221]

Great to see people that love what they do!!

[@mealways2607]

What a amazing story snd lot of respect.so humble person and love you man.wishes you best but don't forget your past

[@henrycruz3547]

Loved every second of this. Keep doing your thing brother 🔥🙏🏽

[@markchristopher4165]

Love this guy. Great representative of the best of Philly

[@taliwilkinson2008]

A man that knows his craft well!

[@Simonkenteriksson]

Loves this guy, so chill

[@mathew00]

I'm always so fascinated to hear a story of a person who starts a business without knowing much about it. For me, I have some trouble because I want to know everything about something before I start. That doesn't work very well but I keep trying to improve.

[@daisyq3418]

Curiosity will pave your way. 👍

[@moegreenback6854]

Patience and perseverance pays!

[@mustolourien5823]

Passion at a whole new level.

[@poisonmusic8354]

Love seeing these videos.

[@LaNaeRossfound4u]

Excellent! You make it look so easy, which it is certainly not! I super enjoyed a peek into your process.

[@ToddAndelin]

dedication and passion ...

[@kathyerickson9402]

Great series and really interesting stories. Thanks!

[@Gearless03]

his dedication is awesomeeeeee... this is what positive thinking is as a hands on owner 😇

[@stickshiftt9127]

I'm gonna go buy some of his bread today. He's really passionate about bread making. I gotta go check it out

[@palmbay1524]

That was one special video. There is a man who's gut said you want to do this. You have a unique drive to go full boar into a realm you amitted you knew very little about and yet you knew at your core in abashed way to dive into a passion and learn processes that would overwhelming many. May you enjoy all you have achieved and even yet to achieve. Your success is about you and seeing through that forest for the trees. I grew up in South Jersey lived elsewhere for most of my life but one thing I miss of the Delaware Valley is the food especially cheese steaks and hoagies oh and of course a real fresh baked beagle.

[@soulda]

Love the attitude of this guy!

[@dikkepikouwu]

Fantastic person Thank you for sharing your story

[@SmartEngine-]

I love this guy enjoying what he does❤ I mean every details he loves them

[@cynthiaculbreath8804]

I was watching FYI Philly and they segmented him on their show. I'm glad I was watching and discovered Mertzbacher's. I will definitely be visiting and patronizing his bakery. I wonder if he bakes fresh croissants?

[@sweejus17]

love to listen the guy appreciate his experiences

[@jaycee5676]

He really enjoys what he does. Very cool to see!!!

[@xlncy]

This guy is full of passion towards his craft

[@miraclethadj6140]

This was really cool. Great episode.

[@Yourmission9]

I realize I’m late to the party here but this was a great video and to see his business rise (nailed it) like this is truly awesome

[@excitedbox5705]

In Germany we have a potato bread that has small home fry sized cubes of potato in it. It sells out every day even though the bakery bakes more all day long. I bet the sweet potato bread is awesome.

[@cookingwithvincenza5558]

Love it! you can taste this guys hard work. Unreal

[@russelteehong]

Imagine the smell of the place, absolute heaven......

[@BG-bt5mv]

more than bread..I like the guy n his attitude. he is a winner.. you see one you know one.

[@mugensamurai]

I like a perfectionist when it comes to food.

[@evancooling3517]

Great story.. Looks even better of a product. Wish him the best!

[@sirtango1]

The sound of bread tells me what I need to know. A good crust is a must!

[@triumfant2]

I love Merzbachers Muffins, I found them at Giant in Willow Grove. I am hooked, he makes great Breads... But NOW they are no longer in the Willow Grove Giant. So I have come on line to find out where I can get The bread again. I love his passion for the Bread. Great to hear his story

[@marthenryb8398]

I love this guy genuinely! 😄