Del Buono’s Pastry Shop opens in South Jersey, reviving the beloved cream doughnut from the former McMillan’s Bakery.
Del Buono’s Pastry Shop has officially opened its doors on Haddon Avenue, marking a significant revival in the local pastry scene following the closure of the beloved McMillan’s Bakery last May. For decades, McMillan’s held a special place in the community, cultivating a loyal customer base over its 86-year history. The new establishment, which has undergone extensive renovations, takes its place in the same location, offering an updated experience while honoring the legacy of its predecessor.
The pastry shop launched its soft opening on Tuesday, allowing eager customers to explore the newly refurbished space. According to Robin Lange, the shop’s social media director, the renovations extended beyond mere aesthetics, transforming the bakery into a contemporary yet inviting venue. With the physical changes nearly completed, the focus now shifts to baking, with the signature items such as McMillan’s renowned cream doughnuts and pizzelles available for purchase.
Despite the excitement of the soft launch, owner Tom Whitman noted that local awareness of the shop’s opening is still limited, with his daughter being among the first patrons. However, anticipation is high for the grand opening event scheduled for Saturday, August 29, coinciding with the township’s music festival. The event promises free cream doughnuts for the first 1,000 visitors, along with promotional giveaways and a special draw for a custom cake created by Al DiBartolo, a celebrated baker affiliated with the pastry shop.
The new bakery layout also includes DiBartolo’s Kakery, which occupies a portion of what used to be McMillan’s storage area. This space is dedicated to custom cake orders and ready-made baked goods, with DiBartolo planning to introduce themed cake decorating classes in the future. The legacy of traditional baking is evident as DiBartolo, flipping through family recipes, works alongside former McMillan’s staff members who have returned to continue their craft.
Whitman has invested significantly in this venture, having purchased the property last September for 0,000 and dedicating millions to renovations. In addition to the pastry shop, plans for two residential apartments above the bakery are underway, targeted for high rental prices indicative of the area’s growing popularity.
The new pastry shop will diversify its offerings with specialty coffee, doughnuts, pastries, and other desserts, all prepared on-site. With a commitment to quality, Whitman aims to source some bread and rolls from his other establishment, Del Buono’s Bakery, while respecting McMillan’s legacy in every aspect of the new operation.
As the community welcomes Del Buono’s Pastry Shop, it is evident that the dedication to authentic, high-quality baking remains a priority in South Jersey’s evolving culinary landscape. This revival not only breathes new life into a cherished location but also promises to create fresh memories for generations to come.
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