Polly Ann Bakery Delights San Pedro for Generations
By Melani Morose Edelstein, Columnist
Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of San Pedro, Polly Ann Bakery stands as a testament to tradition and family legacy. Since its inception in the late 1930s by the industrious Voss family, this bakery has been a cornerstone of the community, offering delectable baked treats and spreading joy across generations.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the growth of this bakery over the years, but its core remains unaltered,” reflects Joseph Michael Voss, son and grandson of the original owners. “We’ve dedicated ourselves to preserving the traditions established by my grandparents. I spent three decades working alongside my father. Currently, my sister Diane Acosta and her husband Bob, along with Susie Voss, own the bakery. My wife worked as a skilled cake decorator for more than 40 years, and I am a retired baker; we were all actively involved,” Voss continues.
For 86 years, the Voss family and the entire bakery team, led these days by store manager of 15 years Minerva Heredia, have underscored their united commitment to preserving the timeless charm and unwavering dedication to quality that has characterized the bakery since its founding. Its enduring old-fashioned allure and steadfast pursuit of excellence persist without falter.
“Customers love us. We have been in the same location since 1938 and we are the only bakery left in Pedro. We make everything from scratch. Every morning starting at 3:00 am our bakers come and start making danish from scratch and cream puffs and eclairs – all from scratch every day. The devil dogs, a light chocolate cake like a ding dong, are very popular and our cakes, we make all kinds of cakes like picture cakes anything you want. We have four or five wedding cakes a week, and couples love to come to our free tastings” says Minerva Heredia, who runs the bakery alongside her husband Antonio Heredia, the main baker, and Antonio’s brother Armando Heredia. The three of them are excited about keeping the bakery’s traditions alive.
“Diane Acosta, the current owner, she’s still my boss,” says Heredia. “She still comes in every so often but the three of us run it. Diane is about to retire so she is the one who asked us if we were interested in buying, so we are in the process. We have already started the paperwork,” she says, adding, “Customers know me. They all say please take over. We want this bakery. They love the bakery. We all love the bakery, it’s the only one left.”
Entering Polly Ann Bakery, which is one of the oldest businesses in San Pedro, is like stepping into a time capsule of culinary delights. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, enticing patrons to indulge in an array of pastries and cakes and homemade loaves of bread, each crafted with care and precision by skilled bakers following timeless recipes.
“You’ll find the same donut, the same coffee cake; all the same formulas for baking. All original and all from scratch. Every day seven days a week and the community loves it,” Heredia shares.
Polly Ann Bakery is more than just a purveyor of sweets; it’s a cherished part of the community fabric. Families have made it a tradition to visit for special occasions, from birthdays to weddings, knowing that the bakery’s custom-made cakes will be the highlight of any celebration. At Polly Anns they strive to make every experience memorable, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a simple morning indulgence.
Customers’ nostalgic ties to the bakery fuel their return visits. Fond recollections of childhood trips prompt them to introduce their own children to the bakery, carrying on the tradition from one generation to the next.
“My dad would sell a dozen cookies for a penny. He thought it was a creative way to pay the taxes. Buy a dozen cookies, get a dozen for a penny. You’d be surprised what people bought for a penny. It was a huge success,” Voss laughs.
Polly Ann Bakery’s reputation for legendary creations spans from cookies to cakes. Whether crafting an elaborate wedding cake adorned with intricate designs or a simple birthday cake bursting with flavor, each masterpiece serves as a testament to the bakery’s unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
What’s the secret to keeping a business alive for more than 80 years? “Hard work and long hours,” says Voss. “That’s what my dad always used to say.”
Despite the passage of time, Polly Ann Bakery remains deeply rooted in its heritage, continuing to serve the San Pedro community with the same warmth and hospitality that it did so many decades ago.
As long as there are celebrations to be had and sweet cravings to be satisfied, Polly Ann Bakery will continue to be a beloved institution in San Pedro, a testament to the power of family, tradition, and the simple joy of a freshly baked treat.
1440 W. 8th Street
Weymouth Corner Shopping Center
San Pedro
310-519-0966