Family and tradition have always been an essential part of Mirella and Ida Mancini and Josie Savoni’s lives. Through them, their families are joined together sharing a slice of Italian culture with local immigrants, residents and area tourists. Italia Bakery started up called Italia Food Market as a tiny grocery store (in the early 1960s). It was a venture taken on by Josie’s mother, Mirella Mancini. Italia Food Market was a successful concept. Pietro Mancini left his job with Chrysler away to join his wife in operating the growing business.
The grocery store moved from the location beside the present day bakery at 571 Erie Street E. When Italia’s former home became vacant again Pietro and Mirella Mancini were approached with the idea to open a new bakery there. In 1974 Italia Bakery was born. They made the decision later to sell the store and continue with the bakery.

From that small location, Italia Bakery grew into its current space and has expanded three times over the past 30 years. Today the name, Italia Bakery, is well known throughout the region.

Both Ida Mancini and Josie Savoni agree that ‘word of mouth’ advertising has been priceless to Italia Bakery.Their best-seller is their bread. The bakery works 20 hours a day, 7 days a week, to produce the bread that’s not only sold in their shop, and in local and county stores and Italian halls, but is also distributed throughout Michigan. The craft of hand-baking treasures like bread, cookies, pastries, cakes, and other goods is a tradition that’s alive and well at Italia Bakery. It’s a tasty treat that’s not available from many competitors, especially the large supermarket chains.

One new feature at Italia Bakery is their ‘hot table’--a buffet of fresh, hot, and ready-to-eat Italian entrees, that’s available throughout the day. People