Giving Back with The Neighborhood Baker

At the onset of the pandemic with its uncertainty and indoor dining at a halt, we started an Outdoor Market. Our bakers solidly filled the tables outside, on our patio, with freshly baked breads and pastries every morning.

As a low-tech, contact-free payment solution, one of our customers suggested a punch card that customers may buy in advance where each punch is one loaf of bread. We took this idea a step further and let our neighbors know that for each 10-punch card sold @ $30, an additional five loaves of bread are donated to the RISE Community Services Partnership. Thus began the honor system of the AKB NEIGHBORHOOD BAKER CARD.

We remain grateful to our team of bakers who increased their production and were instrumental in helping us stay connected with our community during a period of isolation. It was an unexpected source of inspiration and community spirit that remains with us today. 

Although, we have long since reopened and amidst this new normal, the AKB NEIGHBORHOOD BAKER CARD program continues.  It is still an honor system at Americana Kitchen & Bar. Our customers now use the card to stop in, grab a loaf of freshly baked bread and other baked goods.  It is also convenient for our guests to use their cards in the mornings for coffee (and NJ’s best croissants) while plugging in their laptops in a comfortable spot in our dining room as a respite for many who work from home. #NJWFH.

How it Works

1. Purchase your 10-punch AKB Neighborhood Baker Card for $30 
2. Select item(s) from the table, use the hole puncher to mark your selection, and enjoy! 

The punches can be used towards any item on the table, such as a loaf of bread, a pastry, a croissant, or one (1) coffee. For every card purchased, AKB will donate 5 loaves of bread to RISE (Rise Community Services Partnership) during the week you purchase the card. 

The best part: Your AKB Neighborhood Baker Card never expires. 

For each card sold, AKB will donate five loaves of bread to the RISE Community Services Partnership. 

Rise is a center of social support in central New Jersey, focusing on Hightstown and East Windsor. This community services partnership helps families and individuals in recovering from setbacks and achieving their full potential.

For more information about Rise, visit their website at https://njrise.org.

AKB Neighborhood Baker Cards can be purchased in person or online at: https://americanakitchenandbar.com/product/neighborhood-baker-card/

Category(s): AKB History & Mission