Today we’d like to introduce you to Avi Kadmon and Sandra Kessler.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Fred’s Bakery was founded in 1949 by Fred, an immigrant from Germany. He baked what he knew best: Traditional Jewish and European bread and baked good… Soon, Jews and non-Jews alike started flocking to the new neighborhood bakery getting the “real” rye bread, challah (Egg bread), pumpernickel, whole wheat, and German spelt bread. Bagels like Fred’s they could find only in Manhattan’s Lower East side. The Chocolate Babka, the French Coffee Cake, and the Alligator reminded them of home. Kalatchkie they couldn’t find in any other place; and the hamentschen, and chocolate Danish were irresistible. And then they discover the Rugalach…
For forty-three years, Fred ran his bakery like a captain navigating it in the American dream sea. His children were born and grew up smelling the baked bread and pastries. And when he passed away in 1992 it was only natural that they’d take over.
Today, we run the bakery, loyal to the same brand name Fred’s Bakery, making the same traditional products with Fred’s old time assistants now the leading bakers. In addition, we introduced new French and Israeli products that keep the bakery loved by our customers and unique among the competition.
We wholesale to famous delis and restaurants, to upscale country clubs, Temples, Markets, and others.
There are many other bakeries that make good products. Fred’s Bakery pride itself in excellent quality products, consistency, creativity, great service, and moderate pricing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Bakeries are among the hardest small businesses to run. There’s always a race to get more customers, to keep high quality products along with moderate prices, big overhead, etc.
Fred’s Bakery & Deli – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Well, Fred’s Bakery has been in business for 68 years. The bakery was recognized and awarded by the City of Los Angeles. The mayors of Los Angeles were among our customers as well as some celebrities. We are consistent in the quality of our products, we have an exemplary service which prove itself by the returning customers and the word of mouth. We are a neighborhood bakery and family oriented. Our customers, including those who come from out of town feel at home the moment they come in.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Having satisfied and returning customers who recommend us, write helpful reviews, growing volume of customers, getting offers to franchise or to buy you out are encouraging signs of success. But, the bottom line, the cash flow is the real indicator.
Pricing:
- Pound / Coffee Cakes: $15.99
- All cookies (Including rugalach): $12.99 per pound
- Most breads: $5.79
- Pastries, danishes, and croissants: $2.99 – $3.29
- Deli sandwiches (Made with bagels, French rolls, Ciabatta, Challah, Rye, Wholewheat): $3.99 – $10.99
- Special order cakes: $35 – $1500
Contact Info:
- Address: 2831 S Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90034
- Website: www.fredsbakeries.com
- Phone: 310-838-1204
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: fredsbakeryanddeli
- Facebook: facebook.com/fredsbakeryanddeli
- Twitter: BakeryFred
- Yelp: Fred’s Bakery & Deli
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
