 I can remember many holiday dinners sitting on Nonno (Grandpa) DiPaolo's lap listening to the stories of how the family came over from Italy inspired by the "American Dream". With hard work, good fortune and strong family support it seemed any dream was attainable back then...
The DiPaolo tale begins in 1957 when Francesco DiPaolo left behind his wife Virginia and sons Nicola and Fulvio in search of his dream. The plan was to get situated in America and earn enough money to bring over the family. Like many romantic stories during this time, his start was a difficult one.
The port city of Newark, NJ was thriving with the country expanding and the Baby Boom at its peak. However, the Italian immigrant was not so fortunate. By trade Francesco was a masonry, but he could only find work as a pot washer in a neighborhood bakery. He worked feverously often for what we consider pocket change and eventually learned this would not be enough to bring the family over. He decided to return home. Though he was dejected and heart broken he had gained valuable insight into the American business and one other valuable tool, how to make bread. At the time an afterthought, but would prove to be invaluable knowledge later on.
Back in Italy, Virginia had been raising the two children and the family farm. No small feat for any single parent. She embraced Francesco upon his arrival and with her support they decided to venture to America one more time. In 1966, Francesco embarked again towards America with a renewed passion. Once again he found himself at a bakery though this time he was working with two of his brothers. As is in most Italian households, there is strength in family and Francesco was able to bring over his family a year later.
In 1972, he took the bakery over and moved locations from the corner of 7th Street to the main street in Newark of Bloomfield Avenue. A strategic move that proved vital in the development and expansion of the business. With more store space and access to a larger customer base, he expanded the product line from only bread to cakes, pastries, cookies, stuffed breads and miniature pizzas.
The miniature "personal" pizzas were a unique twist on an Italian tradition and became an instant success. Originally only sold on Friday afternoons, lines of hungry customers would wrap around the block to purchase them.
The DiPaolo Bros. Bakery prospered and in 1981 expanded to its current location. Francesco and Virginia DiPaolo and their three sons (Franco was born in America) have worked hard to maintain the integrity associated with the family name. It is our mission to deliver a fresh, delicious product to the consumer every time without sacrificing quality and tradition.
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