In the late 19th century, at the age of 17, Giuseppe Marconi migrated from Cupra Marittima, Italy with only $14 in his pocket. From Ellis Island, he made his way to Chicago Heights, Illinois—a town of Italian and European immigrants, where everyone knew everyone. Like most immigrants of the time, Giuseppe began building his American Dream by working on the railroad (it was either that or the steel factories to make a living South of Chicago!). Shortly after, Giuseppe's love and soon to be wife, Assunta, emigrated from Italy to join him, where they would soon marry and begin their family.

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Giuseppe didn't just bring his dream with him though, he brought generations of skilled baking, passed down through a long line of Italian bakers. He began by using his ancestors’ recipes from the old country to bake bread for his family, friends, and neighbors. Baking out of a wood-burning oven he built in his backyard, things quickly took off as word spread about Marconi Bread.

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In the blink of an eye, it was time to expand—both his family and the business! Giuseppe and Assunta moved to East 16th Street in Chicago Heights to raise their growing family and operate their popular bakery. Just like that, the Marconi Baking Company was born in 1911—and is still baking out of the same building to this very day.

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The bakery was succeeded into its second generation by Giuseppe’s three sons, Louis, Frank, and Guido - taking the reins as owners/bakers through the second half of the 20th century. As the decades passed, and his older brothers departed, Guido was left at the helm to carry on the legacy of Marconi Bread.

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A World War II veteran, a certified Master Baker from the American Institute of Baking, and husband and father of seven, Guido was determined and passionate about his craft, his business, and his family. 

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Therefore (to no surprise) Guido’s two sons, Joseph and William, followed in his footsteps carrying the bakery to the next generation. Both sons' attended university to become Master Bakers, and carried on Guido's legacy after his passing. Today, over 110 years later, the Marconi Baking Company is operated by 3rd and 4th generations of Marconi's- still proudly serving the Chicagoland area, and baking the same fresh bread while carrying on generations of Italian tradition.

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A century and counting, we are committed to sharing that tradition, culture, and great bread with you for many generations to come!