Serpe's & Sons: Sixty Years of Yum

 Driving past this brick building, you wouldn't necessarily think that much of it.  But follow my directions: Pull onto the side of the street.  Stop your car.  Get out.  Pull open the heavy glass door. 

And enjoy.

Inside is a production.  A very, very sweet production.  Everywhere you look, there is a pie, cookie, roll, or tomato pie slice, and if someone isn't blocking your view (because it's so crowded, there probably is) you  can catch a glimpse of their famous cannolis.  There are many workers, all busying themselves packaging up sweets for the never ending stream of customers.  It's just a normal day at Serpes bakery, one of Delaware's greatest.

Serpe's and Sons bakery has been open for 60 years, and has always been owned by the very Italian Serpe family.  Today, Dominic, the youngest brother, owns the property and his good friend Brad is the head pastry chef while brother Joe handles the rolls.  While I wasn't allowed to go back and check out the baking action, it's clear they're working some magic back there; since 1990, they've won the Best of Delaware's "Best Bakery" and "Italian Specialty" every year.  All baking is done on property with their own flour and yeast, and absolutely no preservatives.  

Serpes also does a lot of wholesale. I wasn't even surprised to hear that my favorite sub shop, Capriotti's, is their main buyer of their rolls.  They also serve many of the area's country clubs.  However, people come from all over Delaware, Philadelphia, and New Jersey to pick up a slice of tomato pie. 

Here is Maxine, who has been working for Serpes for 13 years.  "Once you work here, you never leave," she chuckles, as she pulls a freshly baked chocolate cake out from the kitchen.  As I watch, open mouthed, she ices the cake in less than 3 minutes, barely giving me time to photograph her progress.  She ices cakes for every occasion upon request.  Her favorite at Serpes is the pepperoni bread, and of course, the cake!

"We are the party store!" worker of 9 months Larry crows when I ask him what he thinks makes Serpes different.  He goes on to explain how they are an ever flexible, convenient store for every occasion.  The day we went was a week to Superbowl day, and there were football shaped cookies, cakes, and team color oriented color displays everywhere you look.  

We are finally able to push through the crowd and order a dozen rolls and three mini cannolis.  Ushered out the door with smiles from the workers and pushes from eager customers, we depart the legendary store with our expectations met and bellies ready.

Serpe & Sons Bakery

1411 Kirkwood Highway, 

Elsmere, DE 19805

 302-994-1868

Hours:

Monday-Saturday - 7am-6pm

Sunday - 7am-4pm