Many of my memories growing up center on the street in North East Philadelphia where my parents had their video store and my grandparents had their restaurant next door. The restaurant, was at the end then it was the video store, Boston Pizza and then, the Baumann’s Bakery. We would play in the restaurant, play and watch movies in the store and then run down to the bakery to get butter cake and cookies.

I remember the smell of fresh baked cookies and cakes. The taste of their chocolate chips and their ice cream sandwiches. It was warm and comfortable. Even after my family finally sold our old house and the businesses, we would stop by the bakery when we visited my grandmother. If we were coming up, my grandmother would go in to get us a butter cake before they sold out.

There were many happy memories on that block playing with my cousins. Going back now I can vaguely remember some of the other little sights and smells that used to be off our street. The long walk to Grandma’s. The memories of playing in the back rooms of the store and the restaurant.

Looking back it’s easy to smile.

It does make me a little bit sad though to learn that the Baumann family doesn’t sell the wide variety of things they used to since their children took over but, I’m glad that the business is still in the family. If you are in North East Philadelphia you should go check out the Mayfair Bakery.

The bakery on this page is inspired by my fond memories of melted butter and cooking sugar.