Downtown State College Bakery Begins Next Chapter With New Owner

After 25 years, a downtown State College bakery has a new owner to carry on its signature fresh-baked breads and pastries.

Gemelli Bakers founder Tony Sapia has passed the 129 McAllister Alley business on to John Schaffer, the co-owner of nearby Antifragile Brewing Company.

“Everything has an end, but a loaf of bread has two!” Sapia said in a news release on Monday. “There is the beginning which is closing for me, and there is the next beginning which John will now nurture and raise.

“This community has given me so much. The bakery will remain baking and crafting the very best breads and provide wonderful taste memories in every loaf. I have every confidence that John and his team will honor that spirit!”

Schaffer, who worked for Sapia while he was a graduate student, called it an “an honor” to continue the Gemelli tradition.

“I have a passion for real food and beverage and have always been impressed by the bread and other baked goods,” Schaffer said. “I’m excited to continue and expand upon what Tony and the team has created over the past 25 years.”

Sapia, a State College native, worked in finance and the restaurant industry before returning home and opening Tony’s Big Easy bar on South Pugh Street in 1997. Three years later he turned what had been his at-home bread baking into a wholesale and retail shop.

That shop has been a go-to for fresh bread in the State College community over a quarter-century, and Sapia said under Schaffer, “cherished loaves and quality guests have come to expect will continue ensuring each slice is full of deliciousness.”

Schaffer, meanwhile, said he plans to build on what Sapia has created.

“We have a lot of plans as we lead Gemelli into its 26th year,” Schaffer said. “In time, customers can look forward to expanded offerings, hours, online ordering, and some other ways of bringing community together around food.”