About Us

Creating Traditions Since 1984

In 1984, Tom O'Toole founded Beechworth Bakery with just six team members, laying the foundation for what would become a regional icon.

Over the years, the business has grown, and Beechworth Bakery now has eight bakeries and employs around 300 staff members. After retiring, Tom passed the leadership to Marty Matassoni, who now co-owns the bakeries with Tom and continues to uphold the legacy of excellent food and service.

Marty's journey is inspiring. At the age of 13,
his father sent him to work at Tom's bakery. Although Marty's parents owned a shoe shop across the road, it was at the bakery where he discovered his passion for baking. 

He started with simple tasks like cracking eggs and peeling onions, but he quickly learned the ropes of the bakery business. After embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Marty returned to the bakery in 2001 thanks to Tom's unwavering support. In 2006, he became the Managing Director and played a pivotal role in opening the second bakery in Echuca.

Beechworth Bakery has been expanding over the years due to high customer demand and their commitment to providing quality products made in-house by their team, along with excellent customer service. 

Currently, Beechworth Bakery operates in six more locations, including Albury, Bendigo, Ballarat, Healesville, Yackandandah, and Bright.

The bakery has remained family-owned by Tom and Christine, Marty and Jo.

Historical Timeline of Beechworth Bakery

  • 1857

    Beechworth Bakery’s original building erected as single storey. In 1900, a second storey and balcony added around 1900. Old legal documents reveal the premises have been home to a shoe shop, dining room and pastry shop.

  • 1968

    Tom at 16 years old starts bakery apprenticeship with Hammer’s Bakery, Tocumwal. Home Pride buys the bakery and sends Tom to work at Home Pride Bakery in Camp Street, Beechworth.

  • 1974

    Tom purchases the Beechworth Bakery property then known as the Ideal Cafe & Milk Bar. Says it ‘wasn’t so Ideal’, in those days.

    In 1977, Tom sells the business, moves to Augusta in Western Australia and makes his mark as a leading country baker.

  • Beechworth

    1984

    Tom returns to Beechworth and again purchases the now struggling bakery. He opens the doors with two staff behind the counter and 100+ product lines. At the same time Tom buys and incorporates the next door drapers premises. Production and baking areas are extended to the rear, the floor space is doubled and entrances made for customers by opening up the former drapery premises. An outdoor area is created on the sidewalk to extend seating.

    In 1987, the shop size was doubled by opening up the vacant building next door.

  • Echuca

    2001

  • Albury

    2004

  • Bendigo

    2005

  • Ballarat

    2006

  • Healesville

    2006

  • Yackandandah

    2017

  • Bright

    2018