This Is My New Jersey

Growing up in North Jersey, we were lucky enough to have plenty of awesome food options. And of course we each have our favorite. For generations, Calandra’s Bakery ranks high on many lists. Sadly, the founder of Calandra’s, Luciano Calandra, Sr., passed away at the age of 94.

Signore Calandra immigrated from Camporeale, Sicily in 1958 where he was a farmer. He had very little money and could not speak or understand English. However, like the millions of Italian immigrants that came before him, he came with a drive to work hard and become “American.”

He began his life in Newark with an unpaid apprenticeship at a bakery in Newark, and he discovered his talent for baking. In 1962, he and his wife, Ortenza, purchased a small store in Newark and began his American dream. As he began to have some success, he did what many other Italian immigrants did – he sent for his family to join him in “Nevarca.” He lived the Italian American dream: faith, family, and food.

Signore Calandra worked hard and turned that small storefront into a well-known brand that bears his name. He has bakeries in Newark, Caldwell, and Fairfield. He also has restaurants, catering services, and ships their homemade goods to the masses outside North Jersey.

Calandra’s Bakery is now in its second and third generations, building on the work ethic and food that Signore Calandra taught them well. He will be missed by his family and friends, as well as the generations of customers that became friends. And it all began with an apprenticeship, a small storefront, and an American dream.

Rest easy, Signore. And thank you.