In West Allis, Wisconsin, Aggie's Bakery is gearing up for one of its busiest days of the year: Fat Tuesday.
Fat Tuesday kicks off at midnight, signaling a day of indulgence before the Christian observance of Lent. And one of the most sought-after treats on Fat Tuesday? Paczki, the beloved Polish dessert.
"A Paczki is a yeast-fried doughnut," explains Rachel Schmidbauer, the owner of Aggie's Bakery. "It's actually made with butter, giving it a richer flavor compared to your everyday doughnut."
Aggie's is anticipating selling a whopping 11,000 to 12,000 Paczki between Monday and Tuesday alone. It's the bakery's second busiest day of the year, right behind Easter.
Steve and Mary Kay Havey made the trip from Lake Geneva to snag a few boxes on Monday.
"They told us there'd be a line out the door on Tuesday, so we wanted to beat the rush," Steve Havey shared.
"I'm giving up sweets for Lent, so this is my last opportunity to indulge," Mary Kay added.
While Paczki may be loaded with sugar, Aggie's Bakery emphasizes that these sweet treats are more than just confections—they're a cherished part of family traditions since 1977.
"It's heartwarming to see familiar faces year after year," says Schmidbauer. "After being in the business for so long, you start recognizing the same customers and families. It's truly special to be part of their tradition."
And if you're worried about overdoing it on Tuesday, Schmidbauer has some comforting words: "Calories don't count on Fat Tuesday. We've made sure of that—it's a special exception for the day," she chuckles.
Aggie's Bakery will be opening an hour earlier on February 13, starting bright and early at 6:00 a.m.
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