Final member of the species:
Every morning at 7:07 AM, the inbox of Bergisch Gladbach residents fills with the "Day in GL" newsletter, one of which includes a brief mention of a local gem - the Backoven bakery in Herkenrath. Established in 1947, this humble bakery, one of the smallest in the town, has been a staple of the community for over seven decades.
Founded by Hubert Kürten, the Backoven bakery derives its name from the flaps of an old oven, a nod to its traditional roots. Kürten, who took over the business from his parents on January 1, 1979, has been the driving force behind the bakery's success. Though he only works three days a week, his commitment to the craft is unwavering.
Kürten, who claims to be the laziest bakers in town, prefers manual work and keeps electrical helpers to a minimum. His bakery operates from half past three in the morning, producing a variety of rolls, weckchen, pastries, and bread. The daily schedule also includes preparing dough pieces for the following day.
Despite his reluctance to embrace technology, Kürten's bakery has managed to thrive. Around 98% of sales are made through the street-side business, with only a small portion of customers placing orders online. The bakery typically closes around noon, and Kürten's dedication to his work often results in overtime.
Kürten's conservative approach to new offerings has also contributed to the bakery's success. He initially shied away from trends like chia, emmer, or einkorn, but later introduced spelt as an ingredient. This commitment to traditional methods has earned him a loyal customer base.
In recent years, there has been an interested party who wishes to take over the Backoven. However, Kürten, who plans to pass on his bakery to the next owner in a few years, is yet to make a decision. Despite this, the bakery is more than just breaking even, with Kürten fully booked with orders and the business continuing to grow.
Despite the lack of information available about the Backoven's background and success story, one thing is certain - the bakery's charm lies in its traditional methods and Kürten's unwavering dedication to his craft. For residents of Herkenrath and Bergisch Gladbach, the Backoven remains a cherished part of their community.
Hubert Kürten, the founder of Backoven bakery, has successfully managed to grow his small-business, despite his reluctance to embrace modern technology. His focus on traditional methods has earned him a loyal customer base and solidified the bakery's status as a local gem in the finance sector of Bergisch Gladbach.
