Calandra's Bakery and Restaurants with Thomas Calandra

Mike Ham travels to Calandra's Italian Village in Caldwell, NJ to visit with Thomas Calandra, part of the third-generation of the Calandra family that began baking bread in a small shop in Newark in 1962. The two discuss the history of the business, the family's activity in the community, and more.  

About Calandra's Bakery and Restaurants

Luciano Calandra, an Italian immigrant, had been in America for just five years when he went into business for himself and opened a small Italian and French bakery. Mr. Calandra and his wife Ortenza worked hard day and night, and their bakery quickly developed a reputation for producing delicious bread. The business took off and soon after Mr. and Mrs. Calandra’s two sons, Anthony and Luciano Jr., began working in the family business. Not only did Mr. Calandra teach his sons the inner workings of the bakery, but he also instilled in them his business principles: a strong work ethic, an emphasis on family, and a belief that the customer is always right. 

Over 50 years later, Mr. Calandra’s philosophy remains the guiding light for the family business. Today, Calandra’s Bakery in Newark is a 50,000 square foot operation and the family now has two additional bakeries, one in Fairfield and one in Caldwell. The three bakeries deliver their products to more than 500 supermarkets, delis, and restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to their bakeries, the Calandra family now owns and operates several hotels, restaurants, and apartment buildings in northern New Jersey. The family also produces and sells their own line of olive oil, coffee, fresh pasta, homemade sauces, and wines from their vineyard in Italy. 

Although the family’s business has grown substantially since 1962, two things remain unchanged: Calandra’s Bakery is still synonymous with delicious bread, and the family remains driven by hard work, traditional family values, and a focus on customer service. 

Newark – 204 First Ave., Newark, NJ 07107 

Fairfield – 244 U.S. Highway 46, Fairfield, NJ 07004 

Caldwell – 234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006 

www.calandrasbakery.com 

@calandrasbakery 

Today in New Jersey History: Thomas Alva Edison passes away at his home in West Orange, NJ on October 18, 1931. 

New Jersey Fun Fact: The streets in the board game Monopoly are named after actual streets in Atlantic City, NJ. 

Thank you to our sponsors:

Calandra's Bakery and Restaurants www.calandrasbakery.com

Albert & Whitney CPAs www.awcpasllc.com

TRJ Consulting Services www.trjconsultingservices.com

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Music (used with permission): "Crazy" by Manny Cabo https://www.mannycabo.com/

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