Zeppole Baking Co.

Zeppole Baking Company opened its doors in 1993 with the goal of providing superior hand crafted breads to the Boise Area. The company's founder, Gary Ebert, a local attorney who was tired of the legal rat race, traveled extensively throughout Europe studying Old World techniques and gathering the best rustic bread recipes for the fledgling company. He named the company "Zeppole, " after a fried dough treat he discovered in Italy, although that item isn't on the menu because the bakery sells only baked, not fried, items. In 1998, a second product line using Certified Organic flours was launched under the name of Boise Organic Baking Company. Charles and Alison Alpers purchased the company in May, 2006, fulfilling their long held dream of owning their own business. Charles has more than 30 years experience in restaurant, hotel and country club operations, while Alison, who was born and raised in Scotland, has an accounting background and experience in the hospitality industry. Zeppole is a family business, and even the three Alpers offspring are involved. When they're not attending University, sons Ian and Ryan work in the bakery and serve customers at Zeppole' two cafes. ( In fact, in the distinctive photo used in the company's advertising and promotional materials, son Ryan is the young boy shown holding the loaf of bread that's nearly bigger than he is. He was three at the time. ) Even Charles and Alison's 16 year old daughter, Natalie, does her part, peeling bananas for Zeppole's famous Banana Bread.