The Orlando Brothers are most renowned for introducing ciabatta bread to the United States in the 1980s and igniting its popularity in the years to follow. In 1986, Nick, Sonny and John Orlando discovered this bread while on a business trip in Italy. From being virtually unknown, it quickly spread in high demand across the United States. Ciabatta has been at the forefront of the artisan bread renaissance in America over the past four decades in supermarket in-store bakeries, the retail freezer case and in foodservice operations across the country.

The Orlando Baking Co.’s roots date to 1872 in a small town in Italy. In 1904, part of the family moved to Cleveland to carry on their father’s tradition of baking bread. In the 1960s, the Orlando brothers assumed management of the company and began to grow the business. While John ran the bakery’s operations, Nick and Sonny focused on sales. The route delivery system now serves all of Ohio and beyond, and the company branched into serving customers nationally through frozen distribution of its signature baked goods as well as frozen garlic bread.

Today, the management team, which includes the fifth generation of family members, noted that the Orlando brothers have always been open and sharing with other bakers in the industry. They never perceived other bakers as competition but as friends and allies. Their doors have been always open for a visit if another baker wanted to see their operation and discuss ways to improve the industry.