It’s Paczki Day at Weber’s Bakery, and Chicagoans are lining up bright and early on this Fat Tuesday to indulge in the delicious Polish donuts. For many, this is a long-standing tradition that they look forward to every year. “Oh, it’s a tradition, I come every year, it’s very exciting for me,” said customer Michelle Jasunas.
The line started forming as early as 3:15 a.m., with eager customers eagerly waiting to get their hands on the tasty treats. From strawberry to apple cinnamon, custard, and cream-filled, the variety of flavors is a major draw for the bakery’s loyal customers.
What sets Weber’s Paczki apart from others is the generous amount of filling they add. Co-owner Rebecca Weber proudly states, “We really load them up.” As a family-owned business, Weber’s Bakery has been a staple in the community, with patrons coming from near and far to indulge in this annual tradition.
One customer, Eddie Cruz, who was born and raised in the Philippines, expressed his love for this Polish tradition, saying, “So here we are, so Chicago.” This sentiment is echoed by many others who make the journey to Weber’s Bakery year after year.
The bakery has been busy all week preparing for Paczki Day, with workers tirelessly mixing, filling, and frying dough to meet the high demand. The excitement and anticipation for Fat Tuesday have been building, with customers like Dennis Papiernik driving in from Naperville to purchase dozens of Paczki to share with friends and family.
For Rebecca Weber, the growth of Paczki Day has been remarkable. “It’s been getting bigger though,” she said. “So I feel like when I was working here in high school, which would be like 20 years ago, it was big, but it wasn’t like this.”
At Weber’s Bakery, the preparation for Paczki Day begins on Thursday, leading up to the big day on Tuesday when they offer a variety of 13 flavors, including custard, jelly-filled, creme-filled, powdered sugar, and strawberry.
For many, Fat Tuesday serves as one last indulgence before the start of the Lenten season. As customers eagerly line up, the excitement is palpable, and the sense of community is strong.
Weber’s Bakery will remain open until 3 p.m., but with the high demand, they may sell out before then, so customers are encouraged to arrive early to secure their Paczki.
As the tradition continues to grow, Weber’s Bakery remains a beloved establishment in the community, drawing in customers from all over Chicago who eagerly await the arrival of Paczki Day year after year.
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