Hans Nadler trained and perfected his profession in his native Switzerland. Having contemplated early on in life a desire to one day come to America, the beginning of his American dream commenced when he arrived and settled in N.Y. Six months later, Hans was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his tour at Fort Sam Houston, TX where he met Minerva Ibarra.

Hans_color1Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to New York. Four years later, Hans was recruited by Handy Andy Supermarkets when they opened Cinderella Cake Shop in Wonderland Mall. A year later Piggly Wiggly Supermarkets asked him to help start their first in-store retail bakery.

In 1962, he partnered with Hungry Jack’s Delicatessen and opened the Cream Puff Bakery. A year later, in 1963, he bought out Hungry Jack’s and Nadler’s Bakery & Delicatessen became a reality.

Nadler’s continues with its tradition to focus on fresh baked quality pastries and products and providing excellent service to the customer.

The addition of a unique wedding cake boutique, another first for San Antonio, allows Nadler’s to showcase the latest styles and trends in wedding cakes. The responsibility of this task belongs to Nadler’s second daughter, Alexia Janine. Serving dual roles of Wedding Consultant and Operating Manager for both locations, Alexia is committed to continuing the family’s rich history and tradition.

Nadler’s immediate family has been very supportive of the business over the years. Their eldest, Sharon Kay Ash, was an important part of the family business until her graduation when she left to pursue her own career. Their son, J.J. Rainer, an IT Specialist, studied the Pastry Arts at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. He returned home, worked at the family business until 2003 when he left to establish his own business.

The Nadlers now have 5 grandchildren to carry on the family tradition of pastry standards and excellence the city of San Antonio has come to expect.

“Our wonderful grandchildren are our reason for being,” says Mr. and Mrs. Nadler.

The Nadler’s commitment to quality and service has earned them the San Antonio Express News “Readers Choice Award”, for the distinction of being the “Best Bakery in San Antonio.”

Nadler’s Bakery and Deli has won this award 11 years in a row – a tradition that began in 2000.


Thank you, our beloved San Antonio!