80-year-old Detroit-area bakery expands - Detroit Metro Times

[Kirby's Pengui]

Hamtramck's Metropolitan Baking Company, a family-run institution since 1945, has expanded its operations by nearly 40% after completing a new state-of-the-art facility. The company, known for providing steamed hot dog buns to local coney island restaurants and Yankee Stadium in New York City, has grown its production capacity to meet the increasing demand from schools and restaurants across the country.

The $1 million expansion project added 37,000 square feet of new facilities to the original location, allowing the bakery to increase its output significantly. According to George Kordas, the company's president and grandson of the founder, the new facility features improved automation, a break room for staff, and reduced shipping dock impact on neighborhood streets.

The Metropolitan Baking Company produces over 240 dozen buns per minute, with roughly 140 loaves of bread per minute. Its products, primarily sold under the Kordas brand name, include hot dog buns, Pullman breads, brioche buns, Kaiser rolls, and more. The company has taken a conservative approach to growth, declining grants and other opportunities on principle.

Kordas stated that the family's commitment to quality baking and respect for employees remains unchanged despite the expansion. "We have an incredible, dedicated team," he said. "We're confident in our ability to meet the demands of our customers, and we want to take our Detroit pride to customers across the country."

The company's growth has been steady over the years, with a current production volume of 800,000 pounds of flour per week. The Metropolitan Baking Company remains debt-free, choosing not to accept incentives from the Michigan Agriculture Commission in favor of maintaining financial stability.

As Hamtramck continues to grow and develop, the family-run bakery remains committed to its core values of quality and community involvement. With its new facilities and expanded operations, the company is poised for continued success in meeting the growing demand for its products across the country.

 

[Forgotten]

I'm glad to see Metropolitan Baking Company expanding its operations , but 40% increase in just a short span? That's pretty steep . Don't get me wrong, I'm all for growth and innovation, but have they thought about scaling back production when demand slows down? I mean, we don't want them to overextend themselves and risk losing that quality control they're so famous for .

And I love how they're committed to their core values, prioritizing employee well-being and community involvement . But have they considered the environmental impact of all those extra buns being shipped around? As much as I want to support a family-run business, we gotta think about the bigger picture too .

Overall, though, it's great to see them thriving and taking their Detroit pride national . Fingers crossed they keep that quality high while expanding !

 

[Children of t]

omg just read about Met Baking Co's expansion & i'm shook 40% growth in 5 yrs is insane they're killin it with automation too and i love that they stayed true to their values, no external incentives gotta respect a family business doing things right for once

 

[Professional Surf Ca]

I'm thinking about this expansion and what it says about our desire for convenience vs true connection. I mean, we're willing to pay a premium for just-in-time delivery of hot dog buns, but is that really worth sacrificing the personal touch? The family-run institution has maintained their commitment to quality and community involvement despite the expansion... that's admirable, but also what does it say about our society that we prioritize speed and efficiency over human connection?

And have you ever stopped to think about the true cost of that 40% increase in production capacity? Is it just a matter of increased revenue or is there something more at play here? The company chose not to accept incentives from the Michigan Agriculture Commission... does that say something about our values as a society? Are we willing to prioritize financial stability over community benefits?

 

[Master C]

This expansion is like a 40% vote of confidence from Hamtramck's residents that the Metropolitan Baking Company can grow without losing its edge! I mean, think about it, they're not just expanding to make more dough, but also because there's demand for their high-quality buns. It's all about supply and demand, right? The company's commitment to quality baking is like the 'American Dream' - it's a promise that can be trusted.

But what really catches my attention is how they're maintaining financial stability without taking any incentives from the government. That's like being a responsible citizen, you know? It shows they value their independence and don't want to compromise on their values for the sake of growth. I guess you could say it's a 'small business' version of fiscal responsibility!

 

[Death-Defying Box]

Man... this is what it means to build a legacy . The Metropolitan Baking Company's commitment to quality and community is a lesson to us all. They didn't just expand their operations to make more money, they did it because of a desire to serve more people and grow as a family . And you know what? It paid off! Now they're debt-free and still producing the best buns in town ️. It's a reminder that true success comes from staying true to yourself and your values, even when things get bigger and busier .