Customers crowded the tables at the Breadsmith stand on Friday as they waited to grab their pick of the offerings made available by Carol and Marvin Wojciechowski.

Some wanted bread, others asked for scones and danishes. Most had a hard time making up their mind, as everything looked delicious.  

Marvin was in upper management in the retail industry for years when he decided that was not the life for him. Carol, a registered nurse at Palos Community Hospital, was concerned about her husband's choice and the couple started to look for a small business of their own.

First, they looked into restaurants. It wasn't until a trip to visit friends out of state that the idea of a bakery came to light. They tried many of the products offered by different bakeries in an attempt to find something they would like to put their savings and time into.   

Then one day Carol opened up the paper to see a story about a young man who started a company called Breadsmith. He offered European style artisan breads free from any additives or preservatives. The breads and other products were far superior in quality and taste to others she had tried.

"In the end it was all about the product," she said.

The decision was made to open a Breadsmith store of their own and become franchisees. The couple opened their bakery in Palos Heights at 127th and Harlem 15 years ago and they remain there now. They had a shop in Orland Park but closed it after 5 years.   

They couldn't be happier about their decision to open the bakery and enjoy selling the artisan bread to their customers. 

At 1 a.m. every morning, the six-ton stone hearth oven is fired up and workers are busy making fresh breads, pastries and more to sell to customers and retail establishments.

Their bakery is located at 7152 W. 127th Street in Palos Heights. Stop by any day of the week but Monday, when they are closed.

To the delight of Orland Park customers, they also bring their items to the Orland Park farmers market every Friday.   

For more information or to place an order, call 708-923-0755.