A Taste of Acadiana History: Keller's Bakery

This story goes all the way back to the 1760’s when the Keller family traveled to the United States from France. A family of Bakers journeyed to a new country to start a new life and begin what was to become one of the most iconic bakeries in Acadiana culture. In 1895, the first Keller’s bakery was opened in Abbeville, LA. Victor Keller was the pioneer in this first baking enterprise and many more locations were to follow in Opelousas, Crowley, Eunice, and New Orleans. 

In 1929, the Keller’s bakery was opened in Lafayette, Louisiana by the grandson of Victor Keller. Fenwick Keller relocated to Lafayette from New Orleans and launched the iconic bakery we all know and love today. In 1973, Kenneth (son of Fenwick) took over operations of the downtown bakery. The beloved Keller’s downtown location has been under the ownership of Kenneth since 2004 and he had dedicated his life to preserving his family tradition and legacy of baking. 

I was so honored to be able to visit the bakery that holds such a special place in my heart. My great grandmother worked there in the 70s and 80s alongside her sister. I can remember her bringing lots of wonderful treats back for us to eat. From petit fours to delicious doughnuts, we always were excited when we saw that Keller’s Bakery box come out. 

I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Mr. Kenneth and what an absolute honor it was. While sitting amongst the historic ovens and prep tables in the back of the bakery, we talked and visited like family. His passion about his family history is just as sweet and rich as the products he produces for the public. 

As a huge fan, I had to ask about their King Cakes. I absolutely love their King Cakes and it’s a MUST during Mardi Gras Season! The recipe has been in the family for over 120 years! Here are a few facts about their King Cakes:

-They never sell a single King Cake before Jan 6 (epiphany) of each year. They said it’s bad luck.

-They have a crew of four people that make all the King Cakes. That’s right…..4 people!!

-On average during Mardi Gras Season, they sell over 50,000 King Cakes!!!!!!!!

-King Cakes come in three sizes (small, medium, and large)

-There are available in 10 different flavors with the original cinnamon butter included in that list.

Once again, what and absolute honor it was to visit this bakery and speak with Mr. Kenneth. If you have been living under a rock and have never tried Keller’s before, do yourself a favor and stop by the downtown location. Any product that they make is not only a treat, but a staple in Acadiana culture.