JACKSON, MICH. — Lochel’s Bakery of Hatboro, Pa., won the “Sweetest Bakery in America” competition run by Dawn Foods for a second straight year. The third-generation, family-owned bakery opened in south Philadelphia in 1942.
“As a small business, the outpouring of support and recognition we’ve received from our customers has been overwhelming — we’re absolutely speechless,” said Kathleen Lochel, owner of Lochel’s. “This contest has had a tremendous impact on our business, and we’re incredibly appreciative to all those who came out to support us.”
Dooher’s Bakery of Campbellford, Ont., was voted the “Sweetest Bakery in Canada.” The bakery, which focuses on creating and refining family recipes, has served southern Ontario for almost 70 years.
“As a third-generation owner, I know my grandparents — who started Dooher’s in 1949 — have been watching over us,” said Cory Dooher, owner of Dooher’s Bakery. “We’re completely lost for words and can’t say enough to the community that supported us throughout this contest and to our amazing staff. We couldn’t have done this without them.”
Nearly 900 bakeries in the United States and 300 in Canada participated with people casting votes for the sweetest bakery from March 1 through July 31 in the United States and from April 1 to July 31 in Canada. More than 2.1 million votes were cast in stores and online, which tripled last year’s vote count.
“Dawn Foods is inspired by all the dedicated, hardworking bakeries that took part in our second annual Sweetest Bakery competition, and we congratulate the outstanding bakeries that won this year’s national, state and regional titles,” said Angie Goldberg, chief marketing officer for Jackson-based Dawn Foods. “As part of our longstanding commitment to helping our customers grow their business, the goal of this friendly competition is to help boost sales, drive traffic in-store and make our customers’ bakeries top of mind in their local communities.”
Clayton Bakery of Clayton, N.C., finished second in the United States. Sweet Crunch Bakery of Hyde Park, Vt., was third. Pontiac Home Bakery of Shawville, Que., was honored in eastern Canada. The Rolling Pin Bakery of Hope, B.C., was honored in western Canada.