On Saturday, January 22nd, a new bakery opened on West Ave. in Jenkintown when Bilal’s Bakery and Deli opened its doors and unleashed their delectable desserts to the public. Truly a family affair, three generations of Bilals plan to serve up sweet treats for the Jenkintown faithful and beyond.
The patriarch of the family, James Bilal, came into the NOI (Nation of Islam) in 1969 in New York, and eventually, through his connections in the community, got a job at the Plaza, became a baker, and learned the art of making the iconic bean pie, a staple in the Muslim community.
In 1972, James married Antionette, whom he met while working at the Plaza. Antionette had her own connection to food which included working in the kitchen with Lana Shabazz, Muhammad Ali’s cook. By 1976, the family grew and the moved to Philadelphia. James began assisting bakers all over the Philadelphia area, which included working for Swedish Master Baker, Mr. Alf Winte of Scandia Pastry in Havertown. This is where James really honed his baking prowess.
James also owned his own cleaning business, which he opened in 1986; but he is retiring from that business to help create generational wealth for his family through the bakery (he has his 6 kids and 13 grandkids), as well as provide opportunities for his community. His partners in the bakery include his wife Antionette and his daughters Saniyyah Bilal and Jamela Bilal. James’ granddaughter Rumaysa Gharbi and his grandson Abdul-Rahman also work at the bakery.
We stopped by on the day of the grand opening, and it was hard to get in from all the people who came out to welcome the new bakery to the Borough. We saw many delicious cakes and had the chance to try the sweet potato pie (very sweet and tasty) and the sugar cookies (might be the best we ever had). And as it turns out, this is just the beginning as Bilal’s Bakery and Deli will soon add deli to their offerings.
Bilal’s Bakery and Deli is located at 723 West Ave., in Jenkintown. You can contact them at info@bilalsbakery.com or 215-660-7180.