Buyer aims to revitalize the historic McMillan’s Bakery site.

The iconic building that formerly housed McMillan’s Bakery in Haddon Township, New Jersey, has recently changed hands following the bakery’s closure in May after an impressive 86 years of operation. The property has been acquired by entrepreneur Tom Whitman, known for owning prominent South Jersey establishments such as Del Buono’s Bakery and Carmen’s Deli.

Whitman, who has plans to renovate the site located at 15-17 Haddon Avenue, aims to reopen a bakery at this location in early 2024. The renovation process has already begun, and Whitman is investing between .5 million and million for the acquisition and upgrades. This includes enhancements to the facility to ensure a modern experience for customers while honoring McMillan’s legacy.

To maintain the authenticity of the operation, Whitman has enlisted the expertise of Doug Biemiller, a grandson of McMillan’s original founders, George and Evelyn McMillan. Biemiller will oversee baking and production as the new bakery takes shape. However, the future of the McMillan’s name remains uncertain. The rights to the brand are held by McMillan’s estate, and discussions between Whitman’s legal team and family members are ongoing. Some relatives previously expressed concerns over the bakery’s long-term future, indicating that they believed the establishment could be permanently closed.

In the event that negotiations regarding the naming rights do not progress, Whitman mentioned his willingness to consider rebranding as Del Buono’s, although he expressed a strong desire to retain the McMillan’s identity given its historical significance.

Reviving McMillan’s Bakery marks Whitman’s third venture in restoring a beloved local bakery. His previous acquisitions, which include Del Buono’s Bakery twelve years ago and Carmen’s Deli eight years ago, have both flourished under his management. His operations currently span four locations and employ approximately 150 staff members, maintaining extensive hours of operation.

At 62, Whitman brings a wealth of experience to the bakery business, having previously owned a Domino’s Pizza franchise for three decades before divesting. He considers his foray into the bakery sector to be a natural progression of his entrepreneurial journey, underscoring his commitment to quality and community engagement.

Whitman acknowledges the high expectations of McMillan’s loyal customer base. While he understands the aversion to change from long-standing patrons, he emphasizes that the community’s attachment to the bakery’s history is paramount and that efforts will be made to bridge the legacy with a modern touch. The transaction was initially reported by the Philadelphia Business Journal. As the project unfolds, residents and former customers of McMillan’s Bakery await with anticipation.