8816 Chamberlain Street    Detroit, Michigan   Phone: 313-842-8854  Fax: 313-843-5385

 
History

     Detroit’s oldest sourdough rye bakery was founded in 1924. Stanley Vasilauski arrived in Detroit from his Lithuanian home­land with his wife and a pail of precious sourdough “STARTER”. Upon discovering that rye breads available to Detroit of that era generally contained less than 20% rye flour. Stanley was confi­dent that his sourdough rye breads would be preferred over the conventional, “light Weight” rye breads. The Vasilauski’s are now gone, however, their bakery still offers these outstanding breads which made the Chamberlain bakery a Detroit landmark for over seventy years. Chamberlain breads are crafted with Stanley’s original sourdough “STARTER” and recipes. Premium quality rye and wheat flours are especially whole ground and harvested from consistently choice farmlands of North American States and Providence’s. Chamberlain’s open hearth brick oven and dedicated veteran staff continue to ensure our traditional baked goods feature quality, natural fiber and distinctive crusts, which compliment our various breads.

     As of April of 2002, Chamberlain Bakery became a part of Alexander & Hornung, Inc., a half-century old European style sausage and ham company, also in Detroit. Owned and operated by Bernie Polen and Tom Eckert, Chamberlain moves into the new millennium with our priorities in tact. We will endeavor to maintain the authenticity and integrity of our famous breads, while improving consistency and service.

     Bernie and Tom plan new offerings in the near term. We have made our French Rolls available to our wholesale customers. On special order for now, Raisen-Egg Bread Rolls, Pumpernickel Rolls and Sour Dough Rolls are available. Coming soon; A wonderful multi grain bread and we have had excellent success in the early stages of a braided egg bread.

     Chamberlain sourdough rye breads are prepared in four differ­ent styles, each of which will appeal to your various taste sen­sations. A treasured family preparation is “SWASHED” onto the bread prior to baking which enhances the crust’s texture and sheen. Our powerhouse, 95% rye loaf, goes by the name of “Old Country”. Our most popular, 85% rye is simply known as the “Sour” and Is a very versatile bread. You can slice off the top of this “Sour” loaf, scoop out the inside making It a bowl that can be filled with a veggie or bread dip, which makes a unique pre­sentation on your party table. We offer a 50% rye called “Half Rye”, which appeals to more delicate and somewhat lighter rye bread taste. Our pumpernickel features a bit courser ground rye flour to enhance its notes of texture and impress you with its honest differences of taste and chewiness. Like Stanley Vasilauski before them, They ensures that no dairy products are allowed in their Chamberlain sourdough rye breads.

     Complimenting Chamberlain’s sourdough rye breads, They offer a snowy golden raisin bread which Is outstanding for mak­ing a festive French toast. If you love French bread and are searching for the crust, flavor and texture of those traditional long, skinny loaves in a large slab sandwich master sized loaf, search no longer. We bake a Fluffy French bread our patrons say is made “just right”, and if you like to make your own garlic bread, start with Chamberlain French.

     Chamberlain baked breads have been featured in various Detroit and Metropolitan newspapers since It’s 1924 opening and garnered favorable mention in various area guide books and magazines. An article in Esquire magazine insightfully describes the delight of a fine character wine complimented by a whole­some and hearty slice of Chamberlain sourdough rye bread.

     Bernie and Tom have expanded their involvement in the food business based on the type of company and the product offerings. Chamberlain fits in perfectly. They also have added Brookside Foods, Bosell Foods and Gateway Specialty Foods, all in Cleveland. They offer us the opportunity to provide A wider variety of meat products, salads, sauerkraut balls and a number of brokered lines. They also have a new concept of quick serve restaurant in Grand Rapids, The Original Panini Grille Company in the Woodland Mall, Cafes In The Woods.

     Preservation of Chamberlain’s far-reaching and favorable reputa­tion for continuing to bake these delicious tasting family style and uniquely crafted traditional breads remains the focus and future of Alexander & Hornung, Inc

 

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