LaSalle Named Top Retail Bakery in the US
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Rhode Island’s own LaSalle Bakery has won the coveted 2011 Retail Bakery of the Year award from Modern Baking Magazine. The family bakery, owned by RI natives Cheryl and Michael Manni, was selected from among over 24,000 bakeries nationwide based on the strength of their management systems, personnel, training programs, product offering, marketing programs, merchandising and customer service.
They also make some pretty fine zeppoles.
“I would like to congratulate the Manni family for being selected as the sole recipient of Retail Bakery of the Year,” said Katie Martin, Chief Editor of Modern Baking. “Being chosen from among 24,000 bakeries is a tremendous accomplishment for LaSalle Bakery.”
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As one of the last full-service bakeries in Rhode Island, LaSalle prides itself on offering a personal experience that larger chain franchises are not able to accomplish. “Our culture, atmosphere and product offering are hard to find nowadays,” says Cheryl Manni. Michael adds that, “Keeping the customer top of mind has been our focus from day one, and we will continue to do so.”
As successful as LaSalle is today, Michael, like many of Rhode Island’s small business owners, has paid his dues. At age 15, Michael Manni began working at LaSalle as the pan-boy, not knowing that someday he would eventually own the bakery. “We took a chance in our decision to purchase LaSalle 36 years ago,” states Cheryl, “but it has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.”
Nothing without the customers
The Mannis said they wanted first and foremost to thank their loyal customers and employees. “Without them, we never could have won this prestigious award,” Cheryl said. The LaSalle Bakery team in particular has been an essential component to the bakery’s success.
Having experienced success, the Mannis seek to repay their community by making daily donations to a nearby soup kitchen and monthly donations to local schools, churches and community groups. “I believe that it is important to remember the community that we serve,” says Michael.
Sharing the wealth
Michael and Cheryl will be hosting a Celebration Week to thank their loyal customers and employees from October 24th – 28th. The weeklong festivities will include rollback pricing to 1975 and daily raffle giveaways. For more information visit www.lasallebakeryoftheyear.com
