Rod Freeman's mouth was watering on the way into Columbus Baking Company. "Simple ingredients, fresh baked, this is all they do, and they do it super well. and I just love the bread," he said.
The ovens were fired up bright and early this morning, the heat fogs up the windows as the bakery prepares to sell loaves to the long line of customers. The days leading up to christmas are the busiest for this bakery, but for those patiently standing outside, it's well worth the wait.
"It's the smell, it's the hearty crust, the warm inside. I don't think you need to be italian to love it," said Cookie Caloia. "We wouldn't have a holiday without it."
During a time of year when families across Central New York, and the country, sit down and break bread, this bakery has become a holiday tradition on so many dinner tables.
"I'm home to see my family, and you can't have a good holiday without some fresh Columbus Baking Company bread," said Mark Falco. "I don't know how they do it but they make it tastier than any other brand of italian bread I've ever had. If I didn't have relatives here I'd still come back just to get the bread."
That loyal customer base has helped this northside business survive the times. It's been baking bread on this block for 115 years. John Capogreco has been coming here ever since he was a little kid and he now brings his son.
"They've never remodeled the place, it's just a particular charm and vibe about the place and just walking out here with a nice fresh hot bread is the best thing in the world," he said.
Columbus bakery opens at 6 AM Christmas morning.
