Jack Nicholson's Decades-Long Love for Family-Owned Perreca's Bakery

The legendary actor has been a devoted fan of the iconic New York bakery's brick-oven Italian bread since the 1980s.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jack Nicholson, one of the most acclaimed actors of all time, has been a loyal customer of Perreca's Bakery in Schenectady, New York for over 40 years. Nicholson first discovered the family-owned bakery's legendary Neapolitan-style bread while filming the 1987 movie "Ironweed" in the area, and has since regularly had the coveted loaves shipped to his home in Los Angeles. The bakery, founded in 1913 by Italian immigrants, has built a reputation as one of the best in New York state, with its crusty, thick-crusted bread drawing fans from across the region.

Why it matters

Nicholson's longstanding devotion to Perreca's has helped cement the bakery's status as a regional institution, drawing attention to its century-old family legacy and commitment to traditional baking methods. In an era of corporate consolidation in the food industry, Perreca's story highlights the enduring appeal of small, family-owned businesses that prioritize quality and community over profits.

The details

Nicholson first discovered Perreca's while filming "Ironweed" in the 1980s, when his driver took him to the bakery for a taste of local flavor. Nicholson was immediately smitten, and had the bread delivered to the set daily for the remainder of the shoot. Over the decades since, he has continued to have the bakery's iconic loaves shipped to his home in Los Angeles, going so far as to say he would rather give money than bread to high-profile producers who visit his residence.

  • Nicholson first visited Perreca's Bakery in the 1980s while filming "Ironweed" in the Schenectady area.
  • For the remainder of the "Ironweed" shoot, Nicholson had Perreca's bread delivered to the set daily.

The players

Jack Nicholson

A legendary American actor known for films like "Batman" and "The Shining", who has been a devoted fan of Perreca's Bakery for over 40 years.

Perreca's Bakery

A family-owned bakery in Schenectady, New York that was founded in 1913 by Italian immigrants Salvatore and Carmella Perreca, and is renowned for its crusty, thick-crusted Neapolitan-style bread.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nicholson has said he'd rather give money than bread to high-profile producers who pay a visit to his Hollywood residence.”

— Maria Papa, Co-owner, Perreca's Bakery (WMHT)

The takeaway

Perreca's Bakery's enduring appeal and Nicholson's decades-long loyalty to its iconic bread highlight the power of family-owned businesses that prioritize quality and tradition over corporate expansion. In an era of chain consolidation, Perreca's story serves as a testament to the lasting impact of small, community-focused enterprises.