Peters Bakery is a San Jose institution. Its the place for everything from breakfast treats to wedding cakes. The founder, Tony Peters, was born into a poor Portuguese family in San Jose in 1907. When he started grammar school, he couldnt speak English. During the Depression, Mr. Peters worked for Studebaker during the week, then spent the weekends in San Francisco with his Uncle who owned a bakery there. He learned the business at his uncle's store on Saturdays.
On April 15th, 1936, he opened Peters Bakery at Delmas and San Carlos Streets. Two years later, he opened a second bakery, on Alum Rock Avenue just east of White Road. It was across the street from the current location. The current location was then a 20-acre pasture where Mr. Peters grazed horses.
He sold the downtown shop in 1947 to one of his apprentices, Richard Sota, which became Dicks Bakery, now located in Willow Glen. He didnt like the parking meters that had been installed; there was none out on Alum Rock Avenue. His abiding interest was his bakery. For decades, he arrived in the middle of the night to begin the days baking. He always used the best quality ingredients it was something he had to do to fulfill his philosophy. That philosophy was, If you dont want to eat it yourself, dont sell it.
Over the years, he trained more than 100 bakers many of whom went on to establish their own bakeries. He had a phenomenal retention rate for employees, all of whom called him simply Boss.
Tony Peters has since passed on but his San Jose legacy remains. Peters Bakery, now owned and operated by two of Tony's children, is the oldest family owned bakery in the Silicon Valley.
When you visit be sure to ask for the Burnt Almond Cake.
Peters Bakery
3108 Alum Rock Avenue
San Jose, California 95127
(408)258-3529
Click Here For A Map
Watch
"Eye On The Bay" video about Alum Rock.
