Pittsburgh pastry lovers, Oakmont Bakery’s expanded new location is open for business.
The business, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last June, has opened its new 18,000-square-foot facility at the corner of Hulton Road and Third Street in Oakmont.
You’ll find seating for 80 people inside, as well as an additional 80 seats outside. Marc Serrao says the retail space was custom-designed to make production and sales as seamless as possible. The bakery’s trademark display cases are now even longer, showcasing the beautifully decorated and delicious products, including some new desserts, espresso bar drinks and breakfast and lunch options.
Owners Marc and Susan Serrao began churning out pies and cakes in 1988 in a 1,200-square-foot storefront on Allegheny River Boulevard. Five years later, they moved to Allegheny Avenue, eventually renovating two 3,400-square-foot sites to include indoor and outdoor dining for 68, with a warehouse for storing ingredients and packaging. That location will be rented out to other businesses.
This expansion project has been in the works for four years.
Real estate is scarce in Oakmont and it took a long time to assemble enough property to accommodate Serrao’s dream — and the traffic it will likely generate. Oakmont Bakery’s new parking lot can accommodate 110 vehicles.
“I believe that we ended up at the perfect spot,” Marc Serrao told us. “We’re Oakmont proud and excited to be a part of the corridor that welcomes people into Oakmont.”
Marc Serrao got his start in the baking business at age 13, when he worked in the housekeeping department at the Donut Shack in Penn Hills, a shop which he eventually managed. He went on to learn management and marketing at Foodland and Giant Eagle stores.
“While there have been many changes over the years, one thing that has remained constant is our commitment to exceptional desserts and comfortable environments with great food and an extensive espresso bar,” he says.
“My family is dedicated to continuous improvement in every area of service and production. We will maintain the highest standards possible. Our staff consists of our children and many others we consider family. The next generation of Oakmont Bakery is talented, innovative and smart. We do not underestimate the millennials! They’re taking over the world.”