In Store Pick Up
Termini Brothers Bakery is more than just a pastry shop, it’s a Philadelphia landmark.
Termini Brothers Bakery has been a symbol of tradition, quality, and superior customer service in the Philadelphia area for over one hundred years. Founded in 1921 by brothers, Giuseppe and Gaetano, Termini Brothers built its foundation on one phrase coined by Giuseppe Termini. When asked, “What is the key to success?” his simple yet powerful response was, “We make good stuff.”
Entering our flagship store in South Philadelphia is “a step back in time,” evoking cherished memories and creating new ones for all who enter. We work tirelessly to honor the recipes and traditions handed down from our grandfather and father for three generations, shying away from automation and technology to continue creating handmade products. We take pride in continuing this legacy, using the same tools and techniques as well as the highest quality ingredients. Since 1992, we have been shipping our products to Philadelphia transplants and all those looking to step back into the past, when technology and manufacturing took a back seat to handmade quality.
– Joe and Vince Termini
Our Story
Two brothers. One Suitcase. One simple dream.
1919
Giuseppe and Gaetano set out to fulfill their dream of opening a bakery in America. Leaving their family and everything they knew, they traveled by boat from their hometown of Enna, Sicily to Ellis Island.
1921
The brothers worked tirelessly for over two years at the Stetson Hat Company to save enough money to open a humble storefront at 1514 South 8th Street in South Philadelphia (across the street from our current flagship store).
1924
Their reputation as exceptional Sicilian bakers grew throughout the neighborhood. They became known for their Italian cream wedding cakes and ricotta cheese filled cannoli.
Giuseppe and Gaetano purchased their first delivery truck.
1925
Giuseppe meets and falls in love with Mariangela Basso. They soon wed and Termini Brothers Bakery has its first Matriarch.
1927
Seven years after arriving in America, Giuseppe and Gaetano became official citizens of the United States.
1938
Vincent Sr, the first and only son of Giuseppe and Mariangela, was born. A larger building was needed to accommodate the growing business. Giueseppe and Gaetano purchased properties across the street from their small bakery and our current flagship store was built.
1945
The war brought hard times to the neighborhood. Rations on flour and other baking necessities caused Giuseppe and Gaetano to rely on recipes that could be made with what they had, something they learned how to do in Sicily. One of these items, the fruit cake, quickly gained the attention of customers, who began shipping the cake to troops overseas.
1956
As the business grew, Giuseppe and Gaetano reinvested their profits back into the business. The properties directly behind their bakery were purchased with the plan of converting them into a “back shop” or production area. New wood benches, a brick oven, and steam kettles purchased from the army, allowed the brothers to increase their recipe yields and develop new products to sell.
1963
The Philadelphia culinary landscape takes shape with many other Italian immigrant businesses expanding their reputations. Termini Brothers Bakery further establishes itself as the premier Sicilian bakery in the city. Vincent Sr. is now a full-time baker learning how to run the business under the supervision of his father.
1976
Giuseppe becomes the sole owner of Termini Brothers Bakery. Termini Brothers incorporates and the official navy-blue logo is born. Mariangela Termini (1971) and Joseph Termini (1973) are born to Vincent and Barbara Termini.
1979 - 1985
Vincent Sr. convinces his father Giuseppe to reinvest in the business by purchasing a box delivery truck, building a walk-in refrigerator, and opening satellite locations in the Reading Terminal Market and on Oregon Ave in South Philadelphia. Vincent Jr. was born (1979).
1991
Termini Brothers expands again. Adjacent properties are purchased and incorporated into the store footprint. The “New Shop” is erected and provides additional production space within the bakery. Joseph and Vincent Jr. begin their apprenticeships and learn the fundamentals of baking under the supervision of Giuseppe and Vincent Sr.
1997
Termini Brothers mail order service expands. After years of mailing products to relatives across the country, Barbara Termini spearheaded the mail order project. As demand from customers across the country grows, the business once again reinvests in office space and a cookie tin assembly area. Termini.com is born.
2005
Joseph and Vincent Jr. ship cannoli for the first time. They also expanded the business by opening two new retail locations at The Comcast Center and The Packer Park Shopping Center
2010 - 2015
The business continues to grow and so does the family. The 4th generation Terminis, Vincent (2010), Joseph Jr. (2012), and Santino (2014) are born to Joseph and Lauren.
2017
Professional office space is created for the staff by renovating Giuseppe and Gaetano’s original townhomes.
2021
Termini Brothers Bakery celebrates its 100th anniversary. Commemorative tins, merchandise and Christmas ornaments are created to mark the momentous occasion. A fifth location is opened inside Live! Casino and Hotel in South Philadelphia.
2025
The tradition continues…