Our Story: A Tradition of Sweetness

Kretchmar’s Bakery has been a beloved part of Beaver, Pennsylvania, for over 60 years — but our roots reach back nearly a century.

The Beginning: A Baker’s Dream

Henry Kretchmar Sr. spent more than 40 years perfecting his craft before he purchased the bakery in 1960. He began working in a bakery at age 13, but his first major promotion wasn’t until 1925 when he went to work at New Modern Baking in Parkersburg, West Virginia. From there, he owned bakeries in Williamson and Sutton, WV, before moving to Montgomery, where he opened Avalon Bakery in 1938.

Avalon Bakery thrived with 13 employees and five delivery trucks, but unfortunately closed shortly after due to WWII. Determined to keep baking, Henry Sr. joined Keystone Bakery in Bridgewater, PA, in 1940, where he led the pastry and cake department for two decades.

At age 55, Henry Sr. took out a second mortgage on his home to chase his dream once more — this time opening his own retail bakery in the heart of Beaver.

Growing the Family Business

Soon after, Henry Sr. expanded with a second location in Rochester, PA — first on Brighton Avenue, later moving to Adams Street on the hill. That location remained open until 1978, when Henry Jr. returned to the family business.

In 1975, Henry “Hank” Kretchmar Jr. came home to take the reins. Hank made the bakery his life’s work. He traveled throughout Europe and across the United States, gathering the best ideas from bakeries far and wide.

As a Certified Master Baker with the Retail Bakers of America, Hank guided the bakery through one of the toughest economic downturns in Western Pennsylvania’s history — all while turning Kretchmar’s into a local treasure for decorated cakes and specialty tortes like Beaver County’s favorite: the Toasted Almond Torte.

A New Generation

In 2010, Kretchmar’s Bakery proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary and passed into its third generation of family ownership. Today, the bakery is led by Lincoln Kretchmar, Hank’s son.

Lincoln earned his Retail Baking certification from the American Institute of Baking in 2005 and returned to the family business in 2003, bringing with him valuable skills from his years in the tech industry. He has helped modernize Kretchmar’s operations, expand its menu, and introduce fresh promotions like Hank’s Hankering and the Torte of the Month — blending old-fashioned recipes with new ideas.

A Presidential Visit

One sweet moment in Kretchmar’s history came in 2012 when then-President Barack Obama stopped by for a quick treat on his way to speak at Carnegie Mellon University. He left with a dozen chocolate chip cookies and an apple pie — and took the time to snap a photo with the Kretchmar’s team.

Our Promise: From Scratch, With Love

Today, Kretchmar’s Bakery still carries on the tradition that Henry Sr. started so many years ago.

We bake everything — from cookies to wedding cakes — from scratch, using only the finest, richest ingredients. Doughs are hand-formed, and each cake is expertly decorated with care, just like your grandmother used to make.

When you visit Kretchmar’s, you’re not just buying baked goods — you’re taking home a piece of family tradition, made with love and shared with our community.

Thank you for letting us be part of your sweetest moments for over 60 years.
We can’t wait to bake for you again!