Headline: Marlton Pike Gets a Taste of Home — McMillan’s Bakery Springs Back to Life in Haddon Township
By Ari Williams, 295Times
Good news for anyone who drives Marlton Pike regularly or uses I‑295 to get in and out of Camden County: a neighborhood bakery with deep roots in Haddon Township is coming back. McMillan’s Bakery — a name that still sparks memories of buttered rolls, classic hoagies, and morning lines — is reopening under new ownership with the founder’s grandson returning to the ovens.
What’s happening
Del Buono’s owner Tom Whitman is taking ownership of the McMillan’s location on Marlton Pike in Haddon Township and has tapped Doug McMillan, the founder’s grandson, as head baker. That combination — a regional bakery group with proven operations paired with a family member who knows the recipes and the customers — is a smart formula for bringing a local brand back without losing what made it special.
Where this sits for 295 readers
Marlton Pike (Route 70) is one of those spine roads that connects pieces of South Jersey: it funnels daily commuters, carries shoppers between strip centers, and ties into the broader network that feeds onto I‑295 for trips north and south. For people getting on or off I‑295 to reach Haddon Township, Collingswood, or nearby exits, a reopened local bakery becomes more than a place to buy bread — it’s a predictable stop on a regular route, a small-business anchor for the local corridor.
Why it matters to Haddon Township and the surrounding area
– Community identity and nostalgia: Small bakeries like McMillan’s carry a lot of neighborhood memory. Local shoppers and longtime Yelp reviewers have often pointed to familiar bakeries as markers of “home.” Revivals like this help preserve that local flavor even as national chains proliferate along major corridors.
– Foot traffic and spillover for nearby businesses: A popular bakery draws morning and lunchtime customers, which helps adjacent shops and restaurants. For Marlton Pike centers that have struggled with turnover, a stable tenant with regular business hours improves the economic ecosystem.
– Jobs and local entrepreneurship: Reopening means hiring bakers, counter staff, and drivers — often part-time opportunities valuable to local teens, parents, and second-shift workers. When a regional operator invests in a neighborhood location, it signals confidence in the market and can encourage other local investment.
– Infrastructure and commuter convenience: For drivers using I‑295, having reliable neighborhood stops near exits matters. Whether you’re picking up a loaf for dinner, grabbing coffee on the way to work, or picking up a dozen bagels for the office, places like McMillan’s are useful waypoints for people who live in Camden County or commute through it.
A smart revival strategy
This reopening balances two key elements. First, the Del Buono’s operational backbone brings inventory systems, distribution know‑how, and capital for updates. Second, having Doug McMillan as head baker helps maintain authenticity — recipes, techniques, and that family connection that regulars will notice.
That mix is exactly what many redevelopment strategies recommend: keep the identity, streamline the business side, and make the location viable for the long term.
What neighbors are saying (and where to look)
Community reaction online has trended positive. Local commenters on neighborhood pages, Patch, and business-review sites like Yelp have been quick to express excitement when legacy brands return. If you want a sense of what people remember (and what they’re hoping returns), check the McMillan’s and Del Buono’s listings on Google Maps and Yelp for recent updates and reviews. Local outlets also covered the transition — it’s the kind of neighborhood story Jersey reporters like to spotlight because it’s tangible and immediate.
What to watch next
– Opening timeline and hours: Expect Del Buono’s to announce a soft opening followed by regular hours. Keep an eye on their Google Maps listing for the most current info.
– Menu carryovers and new items: Patrons will be watching to see which McMillan’s classics return and what Del Buono’s might add — possibly expanded catering, deli offerings, or online ordering.
– Local economic ripple effects: If McMillan’s draws steady traffic, it could encourage other storefronts along Marlton Pike to invest in upgrades — a small but meaningful push for corridor revitalization.
Bottom line
For people who commute I‑295, live in Haddon Township, or run errands along Marlton Pike, McMillan’s reopening is more than a feel‑good headline. It’s a practical improvement to daily life — fresh baked goods within a short drive of home or work, the revival of a local brand, and a small boost to the business strip that lines one of South Jersey’s busiest corridors.
Drive by, stop in, and tell them Ari sent you — and if you grew up with McMillan’s, bring a story. These local returns matter because they stitch the community together one loaf at a time.
If you’re traveling this week: check Google Maps for hours and route options off I‑295, and follow Del Buono’s and McMillan’s local listings for the official reopening announcement.
