[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING COSTANZO'S BAKERY, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize Costanzo's 
Bakery, Inc. and the Costanzo family, as they receive the Special 
Presentation Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce. The 
company is an outstanding employer and well-run company that showcases 
the endless possibilities of growth for businesses today in Western New 
York.
   In 1933, Angelo Costanzo started a small business along the Niagara 
River known as Costanzo's Bread. His Italian breads became a household 
name in supermarkets and grocery stores around Buffalo. In the 1970's 
Angelo Sr. realized the growth in sub and pizza shops around the area, 
and expanded his business to sell to local food service establishments.
   In 1977, Angelo Jr. and his brother took over the bakery and moved 
into a new location on Union Road in Cheektowaga. It was here that 
Costanzo's grew to serve a national marketplace by developing a line of 
frozen, fully baked sub rolls and round rolls. This was the beginning 
of Costanzo's Bakery, Inc.
   Costanzo's now represents the last remaining member of a once 
vibrant baking industry locally. The industry has faced many issues 
over the last several years. Customer demands, compliance costs and 
increased commodity prices have negatively impacted many bakeries. But 
Costanzo's has continued to grow, due to its ``recipe for success'' 
that it has maintained for eight decades.
   The company's products are delivered fresh up to five days a week to 
dozens of local delis, convenience stores, specialty markets, and 
supermarkets throughout the region. It has also launched many new 
products including brioche rolls, artisan style sandwich rolls, rustic-
style sub rolls, whole wheat rolls and spicy Buffalo rolls.
   While the recipes have stayed the same, Costanzo's has been 
innovative in developing strategies to meet modern challenges. With the 
goal of selling its bread to all people regardless of location, it has 
recently established a national sales team comprised of a director of 
national accounts and a corporate chef to work directly with multi-unit 
retail and food service accounts nationwide. The company has also 
partnered with a Canadian food distributor to represent the brand in 
Ontario and Quebec. Costanzo's is also pursuing a British Retail 
Consortium certification, which is the highest level of quality and 
food safety certification in the industry.
   The bakery employs over 120 full and part-time employees, many of 
whom reside in Cheektowaga and the surrounding areas of the Buffalo-
Niagara Region. In addition, Costanzo's gives back to the community 
providing donations to over 40 non-profit organizations and community 
groups throughout Erie County.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize 
Costanzo's Bakery and the Costanzo family as they receive their Special 
Presentation Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce. For the 
past 80 years, they have demonstrated impressive commitment to our 
community, their customers, and employees. Their quality service and 
history is known throughout Western New York, and we are proud to have 
such reputable small businesses filled with hard-working employees in 
our region.

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