Expanding a
HOMETOWN TRADITION
STORY AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE TAFE
F
or 62 years, Bethel Bakery has been
a household name in Pittsburgh.
The bakery—which is so iconic
to the region—is even featured in
Rick Sebak’s documentary, “What Makes
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh.”
Today, residents of North Strabane
and surrounding areas can enjoy the
bakery’s sweet hometown tastes at its
new location on Route 19.
Bethel Bakery was founded by Bethel
Park residents Morris and Anna Walsh
in 1955. Morris was 27 at the time and
always dreamed of owning a bakery.
Bethel Bakery was originally located on
South Park Road, and a painting of the
original storefront is now displayed at the
new North Strabane location.
The original shop was comprised of
three garages—one to hold supplies,
one for baking, and the other was
remodeled into a storefront.
While starting a business as
challenging as a retail bakery,
Morris and Anna also raised
seven children. All of them—
John, Tom, Karen, Susanne,
Marianne, Kathleen and
Christine—worked at the shop
and graduated from Bethel Park
High School. The oldest, John,
and his wife, Chris, became second-
generation owners in 1991, and Tom
was the bakery’s production manager.
A business graduate from Duquesne
University in 1978, John had many years
of full-time experience at Bethel Bakery.
Chris’ background was in the medical
field, and when she married John in 1986,
she began working on the administrative
side of the bakery part time while the two
raised four children.
Bethel Bakery’s tagline—“The Cake
Place”—accurately reflects its most
famous item. All the cakes are made and
decorated with a delicious, signature
French buttercream. Many of the bakery’s
100 employees are involved in some
step of cake production, from mixing to
baking, assembly, icing, decorating and
selling.
By the end of June 2016, the
management team wholeheartedly
supported the concept of moving forward
with a second location. “We knew that it
would be in Washington County, since we
had a strong customer base that we served
for 14 years at the McMurray Dairy
Bar (now Heisler’s Market),” says John.
“After talking to the owner of Country
Confections on Rt. 19, we decided the
storefront next door was ideal because
it’s directionally friendly to Interstates
79 and 70 and has plenty of parking
and complementary businesses in the
plaza—all of which are part of a growing
community.”
The North Strabane location offers
about 80 percent of what Bethel Bakery
showcases at the main store in Bethel
Park. There are still several services
that are only offered at the Bethel Park
location, including wedding cakes
and other custom cakes, and all calls
regarding orders are taken at the main
shop. However, with two days’ notice,
customers have the option to choose
which location they’d like to pick up their
order. “We also have seating at our new
location, which gives it a more relaxed
vibe,” adds John.
“The convenience of being along Rt. 19
has helped us reach more customers who
may not have made the trip to our main
store,” he continues. “Opening our second
location has created approximately 20
more positions in sales and production,
and we are looking forward to becoming a
staple part of the Canonsburg community
in addition to participating in its events,
including the Fourth of July parade.”
Bethel Bakery has always made an
effort to give back to the community.
From banquet fundraisers to supporting
local school districts through advertising,
the business recognizes that its patrons
are the true reason for its success.
The Bethel Bakery North Strabane
location officially opened in December
2016 and business has been strong ever
since.
“Compared to mega-markets and
chain stores, Bethel Bakery is far more
than just a retailer of baked goods—it
is a memorable destination experience
and a nostalgic reminder of the charms
of independent bakeries that were once
part of the fabric of every community,”
John notes. “A friendly and warm
environment—with plenty of free
aromas—is the standard experience of
our guests, and our customers are as loyal
and special as the product baked and sold
each day.” n
BETHEL BAKERY LOCATIONS AND HOURS
Bethel Park
5200 Brightwood Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAY
North Strabane
2500 Washington Road
North Strabane, PA 15317
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAY
* Deliveries typically take place twice a day from the
Bethel Park main store to the North Strabane location.
Canon-Mac | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 19