Cold temperatures didn’t deter about 20 people from waiting outside Milwaukee’s National Bakery & Deli, on 16th and Euclid, in anticipation of Paczki on Fat Tuesday.
The bakery expected to sell roughly 36,000 Paczki on Tuesday. The traditional treat, a Polish jelly donut, is a last hurrah for many as the religious fast of Lent begins.
Lines of people streamed into National Bakery throughout the morning after the doors opened at 6 a.m.
About 20 customers arrived early, waiting in line despite frigid temperatures.
“I waited like 30 minutes. I was here at 5:30 a.m.” Elizabeth Blada said.
Blada, who moved to the U.S. from Poland in 1987, said buying Paczki on Fat Tuesday provides her with a taste of home.
“I still remember when my Mom used to make them,” she said.
Workers said they began frying Paczki at 1:30 p.m. on Monday. The pastries go through an elaborate preparation process that also includes being glazed/powdered and filled.
“It’s absolutely crazy for our staff,” said National Bakery co-owner Bryant Krauss. “We have all of these Paczki, on all of these racks, and we use every little bit of equipment. All of our staff is here, and everyone is pushed to their limit.”
Krauss said the bakery closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. But he said it’ll likely sell out of Paczki by mid-afternoon.
