The year was 1933 - and what a remarkable time in history it was!

President Roosevelt was inaugurated in '33. The U.S. repealed prohibition of alcohol. Men's suits could be had for less than $20, and chuck roast went for 10 cents a pound.

At the same time, in a small bakery on Dante Place in Buffalo, New York - along the city's waterfront, in an area neighbors called "The Hooks" - a seed was planted for what would become one of the food industry's great success stories: Costanzo's Bakery.

An ambitious youngster of Italian descent, Angelo Costanzo worked for a bakery, which he eventually took over. He remained at the downtown Buffalo location for 17 years. The business, known then as Costanzo's Bread, had a few trucks on the road, and conducted its wholesale operation by delivering Italian breads to mom and pop grocery stores.

Then, in 1950, the city took over the land to build the Marine Drive Apartments, and Costanzo's Bread moved to a new location: 1230 E. Delevan Avenue near Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. Business had been growing steadily. They enjoyed a brisk trade selling 12-inch sub rolls to increasingly popular quick-serve restaurants.

Costanzo's delivered to most of the local grocers at the time, but also began to stock its tantalizing Italian bread on the shelves of all the major area chain stores as well. In 1959-'60, the bakery acquired two small stores just in front of it and set up a walk-in retail operation, selling its delicious breads, rolls, and donuts. The expanded space also allowed for a snack bar, offering fresh sandwiches and coffee.

Costanzo's Bread progressed through the next 12 years, enjoying substantial success while providing customers with the consistency of fresh ingredients and high quality that remains its competitive edge today. Then, in 1972, a changing marketplace occasioned some key changes in the business. More and more, retail grocery stores were establishing their own in-store bakeries.

The marketplace was changing, and Costanzo's was determined to change with the times. It became a wholesale business aimed exclusively at distributing to restaurants and institutions.

In 1977, Angelo Costanzo, Jr. and brother took over the business, changing the name to Costanzo's Bakery. They ran it at the same E. Delevan location until the bakery's move in October of 1994 to its present location at 30 Innsbruck Drive in the Buffalo suburb of Cheektowaga. The new address meant a modernized and expanded facility to accommodate the growing business. Single-shift days on Delevan had now become a three-shift operation.

During the time, submarine sandwich shops were becoming more prolific in Western New York, and Costanzo's, like dough, rose to the occasion to provide its customers with its quality product. Today, three shifts work at the Innsbruck Drive headquarters. Their trucks travel to customers' doors, and a spacious retail shop with colorful curb appeal attracts commuters eager for a morning or lunchtime pick me up of coffee or hot chocolate, rolls, donuts, hot soups, and other tasty treats.

In 1998, Costanzo's started its national account business by establishing a frozen line of sub rolls, round rolls, and dinner rolls, which it markets to restaurants, pizzerias, and other food service institutions throughout the United States. The good-old 12-inch sub roll remains its centerpiece, wrapping its special qualities around everything from hard salami to tuna fish - and always consistently pan baked with the freshest and finest ingredients.

The third generation of Costanzo's took over the helm of the bakery business in 2000. Sons Jeffrey and Michael run things today - while the tradition of freshness, quality, and consistency remains unchanged. And that special, personal touch hasn't gone out of style, either. You'll still find a Costanzo on premises every day, just as in the old days.

At Costanzo's Bakery, we're pleased to provide fresh, quality products to our customers. This tradition will continue for many more years to come. We're proud to be in the Buffalo, New York area and would like to thank all our loyal customers.

"Baking the Best for Over 70 Years!"