In the heart of Oakmont lies a sweet haven known as Oakmont Bakery. This Pittsburgh gem is a delight for anyone with a sweet tooth. Upon entering, the aroma of freshly baked goodies fills the air, from donuts and cookies to savory breads and sandwiches – and then some! Oakmont Bakery has been a staple in the community since its opening in 1988 on Allegheny River Boulevard. Back then, it was the only full-service retail bakery in town, with just six employees. The bakery was the brainchild of owner Marc Serrao, who began his baking career at the age of 13 at the Donut Connection in Penn Hills. Now, with his wife and five children involved in the business, Oakmont Bakery is truly a family affair.
As the popularity of Oakmont Bakery grew, so did its space requirements. After five years at its initial location, the bakery moved to Allegheny Avenue, expanding to an impressive 8,000 square feet. In 2019, Oakmont Bakery relocated once again, this time to its current address at 1 Sweet Street. The new location boasts a whopping 18,000 square feet of bakery space and 110 parking spots, all of which are occupied on weekends. The community has recognized Oakmont Bakery’s excellence, awarding them titles such as Best Bakery, Best Donuts, and Best Cookies in the annual community poll from 2009 to 2022 – a staggering total of 21 awards.
Oakmont Bakery offers an extensive selection of delectable treats, including cookies, cakes, cupcakes, donuts, bagels, breads and more. With so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. To help navigate the menu, here are the top five favorites across various categories:
5. The Gambino: A hot sandwich filled with prosciutto, provolone, tomato, and pesto. Perfect for any season.
4. Hot Pepper Bagel: Among the 26 bagel flavors available, the Hot Pepper Bagel stands out. Baked with pieces of jalapeno peppers, it offers a delightful kick to start your day.
3. Oakmonter Cake: A heavenly combination of vanilla cheesecake, chocolate cake, and a fudge-filled center. Topped with chocolate buttercream frosting, Hershey bars, and cherries, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream.
2. 10″ Donut: A massive donut that puts a box of a dozen donuts from other bakeries to shame. This oversized treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
1. Butter Star Cookie: The ultimate favorite, the Butter Star Cookie, is a soft vanilla star-shaped cookie topped with a thick and creamy chocolate frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
With a dedicated staff of 220, Oakmont Bakery operates around the clock to meet the high demand for their delicious treats. Baking and decorating take place 24-hours-a-day, ensuring that customers always get the freshest products. When asked about their best-selling item, owner Marc Serrao humbly states that everything is a best-seller due to their extensive selection.
However, he does mention the huge turnout they receive for their mouthwatering Paczki, a traditional Polish pastry offered from January 6th to the Saturday before Easter. These donut-like treats, available in 15 flavors, can sell up to 12,000 a day.
Oakmont Bakery is not just a bakery; it also features a café with a breakfast and lunch menu. From egg sandwiches to paninis and salads, there’s something for everyone. The café offers indoor and outdoor seating, with oversized couches near an indoor gas fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere. The bakery also keeps up with current events and trends, offering custom cookies featuring political candidates during elections or themed cookies for special events.
Visiting Oakmont Bakery can be a busy experience, but the staff has mastered the art of moving lines quickly and efficiently. On busy days, the maximum wait time is around 15 minutes. Customers can grab a numbered ticket upon entering the bakery and wait for their turn. For those who only want to visit the café, digital kiosks are available for quick ordering.
In addition to its daily operations, Oakmont Bakery specializes in creating stunning wedding cakes. The busiest time for wedding cakes is from May to October, during which they produce around 600-700 cakes. The bakery can handle any request, no matter how extravagant. One of their most luxurious cakes to date took months to design and cost a astonishing $7000. It featured a giant castle with working lights, showcasing the bakery’s expertise and creativity.
Oakmont Bakery goes beyond satisfying sweet cravings; they also give back to the community. Leftover cakes are donated to local women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and senior citizen centers.
Whether you need sweets to impress your co-workers at the office or just need a great place to meet a friend for lunch, Oakmont Bakery is truly the sweetest and most delicious spot to go in the ‘Burgh.
