PRINCE FREDERICK, MD - Anyone who grew up in or near Charles County in the 1970s or 1980s is likely to know about Walls Bakery and their signature éclairs - legendary concoctions of puff pastry and filling with an average weight of three-quarter pounds.
But Walls Bakery and their "World's Best Éclairs" actually got their start in Calvert County in the 1960s, eventually taking over the famous Wigwam building on Rt. 301 in Waldorf in 1974 after it had outlived its usefulness as a casino and nightclub. The bakery spent the next 30 years in Waldorf, managed and owned by George and Crystal Walls, until they retired in April, 2005.
It wasn't long before Robert, Martha and Mark Walls - son, daughter-in-law and grandson of the original founders - realized that the enterprise was too good to end and decided to revive the bakery at the Calvert Country Market in Prince Frederick. Walls Bakery opened its doors in May, 2006, offering customers their savory fare of crispy "Elephant Ears," pie pan rolls, brownies, pies, tortes, cookies, breads and yes, the world-famous éclairs.
Mark Walls says that people have been coming in from miles around to reminisce about the old Walls shop in Waldorf and purchase the delectable baked goods that they remember from decades ago. "The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture called us not long ago to ask where we are located. He said his assistant comes through Calvert County each morning and he wanted to know if she could purchase éclairs on her way to work," said Walls.
Four generations of bakers have made Walls Bakery the success it is today, using recipes handed down from the family matriarch many years ago. Throughout the years, the business has maintained a strict and unyielding commitment to customer service. "This bakery is part of my family and has been for many years," said Walls. "We have always believed that if you take care of the customer, they'll take care of you. We don't cut corners when it comes to quality or the care we put into our hand-made products and I think our customers appreciate that."
Walls Bakery is located in the Calvert Country Market in Prince Frederick and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 410.535.5008.