Linda and Salvadore Castello learned the secrets of delicious baked goods from their Uncle John, who opened a bakery in New York City's Italian neighborhood around 1948. Following in his steps, Sal worked in the kitchens of several major bakerise in New York before coming south to open Magnolia Bakery in Ocala.
Those who have enjoyed the the breads, pastries, and wedding cakes from Magnolia Bakery are sure to agree with the judges who chose the bakery as the "2007 Taste of Ocala" winner.
Although Linda has downsized her operation in recent years, Magnolia Bakery, at its peakin 1990, had forty-nine employees working three eight-hour shifts, serving commissaries as far north as Alabama and as far south as Fort Myers.
Magnolia Bakery, opened in 1946, has survived a major fire in 1987 and two hurricanes in 2004. The bakery was nearly totaled each time and closed for about a year, but customers streamed back in even larger numbers when it reopened.
"Our bread is one of God's gifts that I've enjoyed sharing with churches, schools, other organizations, and those in need." Linda says. She is also involved in the United Way, MDA, and the Brother's Keeper soup kitchen.
