News Summary
Calise Bakery, a family-owned institution in Rhode Island, is celebrating its 110th anniversary. Known for its wide variety of breads and commitment to sustainability, the bakery has embarked on energy-saving upgrades. With a focus on quality and customer service, Calise Bakery continues to thrive under the leadership of the fourth generation and aims to expand its product offerings while honoring its legacy.
Rhode Island Celebrates Calise Bakery’s 110-Year Legacy
Calise Bakery, a family-run wholesale bakery in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. Founded in the early 1900s, the bakery has remained a family business and is currently in its fourth generation of operation. Known for producing around 140 varieties of rolls and breads, including its best-selling Bulkies, Calise Bakery distributes its products throughout New England, New York, and Virginia.
Peter Petrocelli, the Chief Financial Officer of Calise Bakery, announced the milestone along with plans to enhance sustainability in operations. The bakery has initiated a year-long project in partnership with Rhode Island Energy, Leidos Inc., and RISE Engineering. This project focuses on upgrading equipment aimed at promoting sustainability and improving operational efficiency.
Sustainability Upgrades and Energy Savings
A significant aspect of the upgrade is that Rhode Island Energy has financed nearly 30 percent of the total costs through its incentive program. Noteworthy improvements include:
- HVAC System: The bakery has replaced its aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment to maintain crucial temperature and humidity levels that ensure product quality and adhere to food safety accreditations.
- Refrigeration: The upgrade of condenser and evaporator fan controls is expected to yield energy savings of over $10,000 annually.
- Compressed Air: Installation of a more efficient compressor and the repair of air leaks have been implemented to boost energy efficiency.
- Lighting: Transitioning from fluorescent to LED lighting has improved energy efficiency, enhanced product inspection quality, and increased employee safety and morale.
As a result of these upgrades, Calise Bakery anticipates over $60,000 in annual energy savings, improved product quality and safety, and a decreased carbon footprint.
Operational Insights
Calise Bakery employs approximately 285 people across three shifts of bakers, maintaining a commitment to high-quality production and customer service. The company has known success with its HACCP certification since 2012 and currently holds a BRC-AA certification, underscoring its dedication to food safety standards.
Michael Calise, a fourth-generation baker and former lawyer, leads the bakery and is focused on expanding its product offerings, particularly in the breakfast category. With an efficient delivery system in place, the bakery aims to broaden its market presence across the Northeast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic.
A Tradition of Quality
Calise Bakery’s commitment to quality and service is encapsulated in “the Calise Way,” a principle established by its founders. This tradition has allowed the bakery to grow from humble beginnings as a small neighborhood establishment into a significant player in the wholesale bakery industry.
As Calise Bakery marks this historic 110-year anniversary, its ongoing dedication to sustainability and quality positions it well for future growth while continuing to honor its long-standing family tradition.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Turn to 10: Providence Man Steals Bakery Truck
- Patch: Calise Bakery Opens New Facility
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Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
