German bakery & cafe offers traditional breads & more

One Cape Coral business that provides authentic eats from Germany has seen fresh ownership take over, with a passion to push the establishment into the future for continued success.

Bread Pete Bakery and Cafe, a German bakery that offers fresh breads, breakfast, and lunch items, is now operated by a husband-and-wife duo who recently made the move from Deutschland to Cape Coral.

Melanie and Gerhard Wassink from Hamburg, Germany, moved to the U.S. with their two children to start a new chapter in their lives, and continue the tradition of Bread Pete with a passion for authentic, high-quality baking.

The Wassinks purchased Bread Pete at the beginning of 2024, made the move in August, and took over the business shortly thereafter.

Gerhard said his family was familiar with Cape Coral, having visited many times before making that move, and that he and his family were drawn to the climate and the American way of life.

As for why he and Melanie chose Bread Pete as their new venture, Gerhard said, “It’s our sense of hospitality, and also our familiarity with bakery products. We had the unique possibility to continue this business from the previous owners, and it was a great opportunity for us.”

Bread Pete was founded in 2011 by Peter Lipkat and his wife Andrea, with the goal of bringing the traditional art of German baking to Southwest Florida. Since then, the small, yet beloved bakery has become a popular destination for fresh, handcrafted baked goods and a warm atmosphere.

The Wassinks were connected with Lipkat through a mutual friend in Cape Coral, where the Wassinks vacationed over the years.

“We fell in love with this area here,” Gerhard said. “The people, the weather.”

Since taking over Bread Pete, Gerhard said the experience has been “intense” and lots of hard work is being put in to not only keep up the name of the bakery, but to bring it into the future.

“We get such good feedback from customers at the store,” he said.

Bread Pete is deeply committed to quality and authenticity. For its baked goods, Bread Pete uses only European ingredients that are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), additives, bleaching agents, or any artificial colorants. Gerhard said they also consciously avoid added sugars or other sweeteners. Bread Pete’s ingredients are as natural and pure as possible, ensuring an elevated taste and experience, he said.

“Our best sellers and top items come from our bakery,” Gerhard said. “Bread. Rolls. And also sweet pastries and pretzel products, that are made with German and European products. They are all without artificial add-ons. That’s our main focus and highlight.”

To go along with its bakery products, Bread Pete also offers breakfast and lunch options.

“We offer a fusion American-German breakfast, as well as traditional breakfast items such as omelets,” Gerhard said. “Combined with our German bakery products, it’s a fantastic combination.

“We have bratwursts, sauerkraut, pretzels. We also have German-style schnitzel served on a roll or baguette. Our customers are all really enthusiastic about our meals. They tell us they didn’t expect how good it would be.”

Additional items on the lunch menu include a BLT, Philly cheese steak, and homemade tuna. Dessert options include apple strudel, as well as plum, apple, and Black Forest cake.

Gerhard added that to go along with the tasty products, the “cozy atmosphere” of Bread Pete is something for patrons to look forward to.

“If you compare it to a traditional premises, we’re a bit more relaxed here,” Gerhard said. “It’s cozy, and not so noisy, or not so hectic. You can sit down, relax, and have a relaxing time. No one should feel pushed to leave. If you want to stay two hours, that’s no problem.”

As for how the new ownership is looking to advance Bread Pete, Gerhard said they may start baking cakes and cookies, created by Melanie.

While Melanie was never a professional baker in Germany, it’s something she’s very much familiar with and has a passion for.

“Our products are authentic,” Gerhard said. “And I’m absolutely convinced of their quality.”

While Cape Coral annually sees an influx of German visitors, as well as now permanent residents, Gerhard said the business is hoping to attract the “American” market.

“We want everyone to see our products,” he said. “Of course, we love to see our German customers, but we’d love to expand our clientele. German or American, our customers are our customers”

Bread Pete hopes to soon offer catering opportunities for private parties and businesses, as well as delivery.

“We’re always aiming to please and reach our customer in the best way we can,” Gerhard said.

For more information, including the full menu, visit breadpetebakerycafe.com.

Bread Pete is at 4402 Del Prado Blvd. S.