The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Bakeries have busy Fat Tuesday
Local bakeries were in full force March 5 as the annual traditional of Fat Tuesday was recognized by those looking to purchase paczkis. “This is the busiest time for us, we have about 7,000 pastries that we have already had sold by last night,” said Tim Kiedrowski, owner of Kiedrowski’s Bakery, 2267 Cooper Foster Park Road in Amherst, which had a line of customers protruding outside the business. “It’s a great continuation of a tradition.” Kiedrowski said the tradition reminds him of when he was growing up. “Making paczkis during the holiday is reminiscent of what my family has been doing for years, so it’s great to revisit Fat Tuesday every year,” he said. “The tradition is you fill up today, and get ready for the start of Ash Wednesday the following day.” Kiedrowski said the bakery prepares for the holiday every November. “We stock up on grease, apricots, sugar and everything else we add in to make them special,” he said. “We never run out.” Billy Citak, manager of Fligners, 1854 Broadway in Lorain, said it experienced good traffic at the marketplace as well.
“We do get a high volume on Fat Tuesday, it’s not the busiest time of year, but it is a big day,” Citak said. “We have paczkis and different kinds of pastries like king cakes which are these large cinnamon cakes with frosting.”
Citak said there is a good variety at Fligners. “We have a good variety for Fat Tuesday, or whatever you are going to celebrate,” he said. “The staff do a great job making things ready and delicious.”