Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Bakery & Catering Partner in Cincinnati Since 1963
Servatii Pastry Shop has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati's culinary scene since 1963, rooted in a legacy of German baking traditions. Founded by Wilhelm Gottenbusch, a Master Baker who emigrated from Germany, the business has thrived under three generations of family stewardship. Our commitment to quality is unwavering, with breads proofed for 12-24 hours, chocolate tempered to perfection, and recipes preserved from our original Caf Servatii in Muenster, Germany. We prioritize community impact through daily donations of surplus baked goods to local charities and maintain a peanut-free environment for allergy-conscious customers.With 15 locations across Greater Cincinnati, including six deli cafs, we combine artisanal craftsmanship with modern convenience, offering catering services, fresh-baked breads, and handcrafted desserts. Our team of award-winning decorators and bakers, including Robert Ayres, a nationally recognized cake artist, ensures every product meets exacting standards. As a certified Master Baker-led operation, we uphold the Gottenbusch family's philosophy that 'taste and texture take time and talent,' delivering authentic European flavors with American accessibility.
Services
Artisan Breads
Catering Services
European Pastries
Deli Sandwiches
Seasonal Specialties
Cake Decorating
Coffee Roasting
Details
- Year established: 1963
Highlights and features
- We proof bread 12-24 hours for superior flavor and texture
- Our peanut-free facility accommodates allergy-sensitive customers
- Award-winning cake decorator with national competition wins
- Third-generation family-owned business with German baking heritage
- Daily donations to local charities since our founding
Services
Artisan Breads
Our artisan breads undergo 12-24 hour fermentation for enhanced flavor and texture. Using time-honored German techniques, we produce varieties like San Francisco Sourdough, Salted Rye, and Country Wheat without preservatives. Each loaf reflects our commitment to traditional baking methods passed down through three generations.
Catering Services
We provide full-service catering for breakfast, lunch, and brunch events. Our offerings include custom sandwich trays, pasta salads, and dessert platters featuring our signature baked goods. Catering options accommodate both corporate functions and private celebrations with delivery available.
European Pastries
Handcrafted European pastries include yeast-raised donuts, cheese pockets, and pretzel-shaped confections. Our bakers use authentic German recipes for items like Butterbits and Vienna loaves, combining traditional methods with modern flavor profiles in our Cincinnati bakery.
Deli Sandwiches
Made-to-order deli sandwiches feature premium meats, cheeses, and our house-baked breads. Available at six Cincinnati cafs, we offer classic combinations like the Reuben and customizable options using fresh, locally sourced ingredients for lunch service.
Seasonal Specialties
Rotating seasonal offerings include pumpkin cheesecake, pecan pie, and limited-time pretzel creations. Our fall and holiday menus feature traditional German-inspired items like Zwiebel loaf and Great Pumpkin loaf, available during specific times of year.
People
Greg Gottenbusch
Owner
Third-generation baker and current owner Greg Gottenbusch continues his family's legacy by overseeing daily operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in bakery production.
Robert Ayres
Cake Designer
Award-winning cake decorator Robert Ayres has won multiple national competitions, including repeated recognition as Ohio's best cake decorator by the Ohio Bakers Association.
Don Rose
Pastry Chef
Pastry Chef Don Rose trained in Germany under Wilhelm Gottenbusch, perfecting his craft through formal culinary education and decades of experience in Cincinnati's bakery scene.
Paul Gottenbusch
Lead Baker
Fourth-generation baker Paul Gottenbusch leads overnight production, carrying forward family baking traditions while mentoring new talent in Cincinnati's pastry community.
Kathya Rodriguez
Production Manager
Production Manager Kathya Rodriguez oversees bakery operations with four years of service, coordinating teams and supporting multilingual staff across Cincinnati's Servatii locations.
Questions
Is Servatii actually German despite its name?
Yes, our baking heritage traces back to Muenster, Germany, where founder Wilhelm Gottenbusch trained before establishing the Cincinnati bakery in 1963.
Do you offer catering services for large events?
Yes, our catering division provides breakfast, lunch, and brunch options including sub-style sandwiches, pasta salads, and custom dessert trays.
Are your products peanut-free?
Yes, we maintain a completely peanut-free facility to accommodate allergy-sensitive customers.
What seasonal specialties do you offer?
We feature rotating seasonal items including pumpkin cheesecake, pecan pie, and holiday-themed pretzels with festive decorations.
Can I order online for pickup?
Yes, online ordering is available at all locations through our website or DoorDash platform for convenient pickup.
