In 2025, Strictly From Scratch, the Phoenix-based commercial bakery that develops a vast range of sweet and savory breads and pastries for large-scale wholesale distribution, is set to celebrate its 30-year milestone.
But much has changed since the company launched in 1995. What began as a distribution company quickly developed into a bakery. Today, Strictly From Scratch occupies 95,000 square feet, has 180 employees and is considered the “go to” company for everything and anything.
“We are the ‘go-to guys’ because we make great products. We strive for excellence and solid consistency in everything we do and we listen to our customers’ needs when it comes to products and budget,” said Strictly From Scratch Founder and Owner Rudy DePaola. “Our motto is simple: Do what you do and do it well. We all make mistakes, but it’s how you react to those mistakes that matter.”
This mindset has astronomically catapulted DePaola’s success over the past three decades. Strictly From Scratch has upwards of 800 clients. The largest niche commercial bakery in Phoenix, the company is one of the top 20 nationally and among the top three bakeries that supplies products to the airline industry.
From fresh local products to national distribution of frozen products in the likes of Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Albertson’s, Safeway and others, Strictly From Scratch is cranking out between five and eight semi-truckloads full of delicious bakery products every week, including a wide selection of breakfast products, bakery items, desserts and breads.
But being the industry “go-to guys” didn’t happen by accident. It is part of the Strictly From Scratch mission statement.
“We do not say ‘no’ to new product research and development. That is huge for us; we test new products every single day,” said DePaola. “We will do whatever we can, within reason.”
That philosophy also kept Strictly From Scratch going strong through the pandemic. Just last year the company surpassed its 2019 sales numbers, exemplifying strength in their post-COVID recovery.
Even after three decades of quiet and continued success, DePaola is not sitting back on his laurels. Strictly From Scratch is launching an all-new line of dedicated Hispanic products that will soon be available in stores such as Food City, Bashas and more.
