For years, Albert watched longingly as customers at drive-thru fast-food restaurants received their burgers and fries without even leaving their cars. But Albert never craved those foods—his weakness was the chocolate swirl pastry! He often imagined how wonderful it would be to pull up in his car to a drive-thru and receive his favorite pastry fresh from the oven, warm and fragrant, with a crisp exterior and soft inside, almost instantly. What once seemed like a dream became a reality thanks to the Fejedelmi (Princely) Bakery project in Tiszakécske.
This bakery in the Hungarian Great Plain has always been known for its innovative approach and its commitment to producing better, more efficient products that meet customer and market demands. The family-owned business is one of the region’s most recognized names, employing 90 people and offering 16 types of bread and more than 50 varieties of pastries daily. Its products reach 250 stores and public institutions in 35 towns, giving the bakery a deep understanding of local preferences.
With European Union funding, the bakery was able to grow further, opening a new 2,400-square-meter facility in central Tiszakécske. The site houses a bread crumb and sandwich production plant, as well as a drive-thru store—the project’s most significant innovation.
Alongside the new facility, the company also implemented technological upgrades. Modern machinery was installed, a production management system introduced, and solar panels added to ensure more sustainable operations. These improvements increased production efficiency, expanded output, and strengthened the bakery’s market position.
The drive-thru bakery is a true milestone. Like at fast-food restaurants, customers can now make their purchases directly from their cars. This convenient service attracts many new customers, and traffic continues to grow. Through the drive-thru window, buyers can order chocolate swirls, fresh bread, or sandwiches. The concept is both innovative and practical—and even community-building, as local residents take pride in having easy access to high-quality Hungarian bakery products.
The project met its objectives with tangible results. Jobs were retained, and the development created new opportunities. The local economy benefited as the bakery continues to provide a stable market for nearby suppliers.
Fejedelmi (Princely) Bakery shows that innovative responses to market needs can serve both economic and community interests. While the idea of a drive-thru may have seemed unusual for a bakery at first, it provides exactly the modern convenience that today’s fast-paced world demands—and fulfills the dream of customers who want their fresh chocolate swirls without ever leaving their cars.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project GINOP-1.2.6-8-3-4-16-2018-00097 under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
