Newman's Bakery is Keeping Swampscott, MA Sweet

Situated in the heart of a small, tranquil seaside Massachusetts town, Newman's Bakery has been a Swampscott staple since 1966. The decades-old bakery is a family-run business co-owned and operated by brother and sister duo, Jessica Newman and Bernard Newman.

Humble Beginnings:

According to Jessica Newman, parents Joseph and Bertha Newman, established the bakery in 1966, and it has remained a family-operated venture. The pair's father, Joseph, was a baker his entire life. He intended to start a Jewish (kosher) bakery at first selling delicious homemade Challah and bagels. As the business grew, so did their menu, which is what likely has kept them business thriving throughout the years.

Setbacks, Hurdles, and Health Issues:

2018 was undoubtedly a challenging year for Newman's Bakery on Humphrey Street in Swampscott, MA. From medical issues, car accidents, and broken ovens, the iconic bakery decided to temporarily close their doors, much to the dismay of the local bagel and pastry-loving Newman's regulars.

Bernard, who does all the baking, became ill in 2018. While he was out of commission, the bakery didn't have a baker. Initially, the bakery was going to close until Bernard recovered, but then as the old saying goes, "Man plans and God laughs," a car came crashing through the storefront.

In February of 2018, a speeding motorist crashed into the right side of the building, smashing a display window and causing interior damage to the small bakery.

Rising From The Ashes:

After the slew of medical issues, and the car-ramming through their window, the baker's ovens stopped operating. The ovens they used to bake their delicious loaves of bread and pastries dated back to the 1960s. The ovens were purchased by the pair's parents and had to be completely refurbished.

With the ovens back in operation, the window fixed, and Bernard's health back on track, it was time for the anticipated grand re-opening of Newman's Bakery. 2019 was fast approaching, and what better way to start the new year than with the reveal of the brand new Newman's Bakery. The interior got a makeover, the five employees were re-hired, and Bernard was back in the kitchen, baking away.

The community was overjoyed to see the doors open again. Within the first week, guests were lining up down the street, calling asking if they needed any help, and even doing "happy dances" once receiving their orders.

Jessica Newman said, "I feel wonderful about re-opening, I can't tell you how filled up I am with joy from the support of the townspeople. They are so good to us." Newman's is one small example of how the people of Swampscott rally around each other.

Fresh Ingredients, Friendly Service, and Tasty Treats:

That's what Newman's Bakery does best. Going into the shop, you'll likely be greeted with a smile from Jessica herself, who's usually behind the pastry case. There's a genuine, heartwarming attachment between the community and the bakery.

Among the homemade goods, Newman's offers are New York-style bagels, specialty wedding cakes, fresh pastries, cookies, desserts, classic breakfast, and lunch sandwiches, and flavored coffee to wash it all down.

Newman's is still an independent, family-run business in this age of corporate-owned companies seeming as their taking over. Places like Newman's remind visitors of the way things used to be. Hard-working families like the Newmans are doing their best to offer their community members fresh, homemade food to bring home to their families. There's a heightened sense of family and community at Newman's.

Still being an independent, family-run establishment in an age of ever-increasing corporate-owned businesses brings a heightened sense of family and community.

"All of our employees, past and present, have always been like family," according to Jessica.