Buyer Acquires McMillan’s Bakery Site with Plans for Revival

The historic McMillan’s Bakery in Haddon Township, a staple of local confectionery culture for 86 years until its closure in May 2023, has been acquired by entrepreneur Tom Whitman. Known for his ownership of well-regarded South Jersey establishments such as Del Buono’s Bakery and Carmen’s Deli, Whitman plans to undertake a comprehensive renovation of the bakery located at 15-17 Haddon Avenue, reopening it early next year.

Whitman has earmarked between .5 million and million for the purchase of the property, alongside significant upgrades to revitalize the iconic space. Renowned for his business acumen, he has enlisted Doug Biemiller, a grandson of the original founders George and Evelyn McMillan, to oversee the bakery’s operations. This strategic move is aimed at preserving the legacy and quality associated with the McMillan name, which has garnered a devoted customer base over the decades.

However, the future of the McMillan’s brand remains uncertain. The rights to the name are held by the McMillan estate, and discussions are currently underway with family members regarding potential rebranding. At the time of the bakery’s closure, some family members expressed doubts about the establishment’s revival, suggesting that the future may have been relegated to history if a suitable buyer did not emerge.

Whitman has expressed a strong desire to retain the McMillan’s name, acknowledging its importance and the emotional connection it holds for local patrons. “If negotiations do not succeed, I may have to consider alternative branding,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to honoring the bakery’s storied heritage while also ensuring its survival.

This endeavor marks Whitman’s third significant effort to revive a beloved local business. His past ventures include the purchase of Del Buono’s Bakery and Carmen’s Deli, both of which he has successfully managed and expanded in the South Jersey area. With an operational workforce of approximately 150 employees across his bakery and deli ventures, Whitman is no stranger to the complexities of running food enterprises.

At 62 years old, Whitman has a longstanding background in the food industry, having previously operated Domino’s Pizza franchises. He perceives this acquisition as a natural fit, aligning with his passion for entrepreneurship and community engagement.

Whitman’s initial interest in purchasing McMillan’s was highlighted last year when the bakery was first put up for sale. After stepping back, he seized the opportunity to acquire it from contractor Mark Springer earlier this month, coinciding with Biemiller’s decision to join his team. This situation underscores Whitman’s belief that the collaboration was vital for the project’s success.

As Whitman prepares for the reopening, he acknowledges the high expectations of McMillan’s loyal customers. He understands the delicate balance between innovation and tradition that will be necessary to satisfy a clientele resistant to change while celebrating the bakery’s cherished legacy.

The acquisition and impending revival of McMillan’s Bakery demonstrate a commitment to preserving local culinary traditions, while also adapting to modern business needs within a competitive marketplace. The sale was initially reported by Media News Source.