Our values are baked into everything we make and do: in our bakery and in our bread, in the loaves we share, and in the vibes we spread. 

CREATIVE

Baking bread is inherently creative. In the most basic sense, bread comes from mixing three basic ingredients (flour, water, salt) and transforming them into something airy, crispy, and delicious—something that nourishes the body and spirit alike. That creative spirit extends beyond the loaf. To share bread is to create community and connection, meals and memories.

At Merzbacher’s, we harness that creativity to constantly ask: “why?” and “what if?” and “why not?” This kind of thinking leads to products like the Philly Muffin, Sweet Potato Buns, Maltygrain, and French Toast Loaf. It leads us to toast corn and mill it fresh in our bakery. 

DEPENDABLE

Bread is the foundation of a good meal and meaningful gathering, perfect for pairing with cheese and sopping up sauce, for sharing with neighbors and enjoying with friends. Our bread hits the sweet spot—good enough for a special occasion, humble enough to be enjoyed every day. We're as focused on making it good every time as we are dedicated to finding ways to challenge the status quo. Beyond bread, we're committed to being a dependable employer and respectful neighbor (see below!). 

NEIGHBORLY

There’s a reason our name is Merzbacher’s “of Germantown” and our slogan is “Bread to Share.” We are rooted in place. Starting with our employees, local suppliers/partners, and company culture, we aim to build a community. We want our customers to feel like they're part of something larger than themselves, and to use our bread to create communities of their own—if only around the dinner table. All of our flour is PA-milled, we care about paying our employees a living wage (average is $18.31/hr), and we’re as committed to supplying community fridges as we are grocery stores.

FAITH

Not in the religious sense, but faith in one another, faith in the goodness of our products, faith in our partners and suppliers, faith in being able to take leaps (of faith), and in our own ability to give everything our best shot. We won’t lie—the bread baking business is hard work. The mornings are early, the hours are long, the ovens are hot (especially in the summer!). But we also know that, at a time when so many people are stuck in their lives and set in their ways, the simple act of breaking bread can be the first step to breaking through. When we sit together, pass the breadbasket, and listen, we create an opportunity to learn more about one another, from one another. 

Through pandemics, global instability, inflation, and social upheaval, we’re keeping the faith.