Fayetteville's oldest Bakery is earning new accolades for its amazing baked goods — something of no surprise to its long-standing Cape Fear region customers. Still, the honors are bringing attentive — and hungry — newcomers to the circa-1956 storefront at 2433 Hope Mills Rd.
Superior Bakery scored #1 in the state this year on Yelp's list of the nation's best donut shops, according to the site's top reviewers, the "Yelp Elites." The second-generation, full-service Bakery also made Yelp's 2024 list of the Top 100 places for croissants in the U.S. and Canada, landing at the #11 spot. The new honors combine with numerous other recognitions the Fayetteville business has accumulated in its 68-year tenure; an award-winning experience awaits everyone who walks through Superior's doors.
John S. Poulos, a first-generation immigrant from Greece, opened the Bakery on Raeford Road in 1956. He and his wife Kay grew Superior Bakery into a successful business, expanding and relocating it to Hope Mills Road in 1971. Today, it is owned and operated by the Poulos' son, Nicko; he took over when his parents retired in 1988.
In father-like-son fashion, "Nick" Poulos has a hands-on approach to running Superior Bakery — keeping his hands in the dough, to be exact. Preferring production, Poulos said you can find him "in the back," baking and working alongside the staff, his "team" of 27 employees. He crafts and creates baked goods from scratch using the highest quality ingredients and tried-and-true methods, exactly how his dad taught him.
"I'm a teammate; I love to bake," the Superior Bakery owner said. "It's my passion."
The proof of Poulos' passion is in the pudding — not only for his famous fried and glazed doughnuts and croissants that have made Superior Bakery a destination but also confections, including cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies, sourdough bread, honey buns, apple fritters, cream horns and more. According to Poulos, the top-selling croissants are cream cheese, raspberry and white butter cream-filled, in that order. For a savory option, Superior's spinach and feta-filled croissant is popular. As for the doughnuts, old-fashioned glazed come in first, followed by strawberry sprinkled, Boston cream, cream-filled, chocolate-covered, and cinnamon-glazed twists. There are also seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin cream cheese in the fall and mango in the summer. Choices, choices.
Superior Bakery is also a go-to for special occasions and cultural baked goods, including New Orleans king cake for Mardi Gras, traditional Paczki, a Polish donut popular on Fat Tuesday and Greek delicacies like baklava, almond horns and wedding cookies, staples at Superior all year long. Whether purchasing from the showcase or placing a custom order, customers receive quality products and exceptional service — business principles repeatedly noted on Yelp and of the utmost importance to Poulos.
One reviewer wrote, "The cookies and donuts are amazing, and their croissants are superior! The service was excellent, and they were so friendly. 10/10 recommend you visit."
Another said, "The name says it all! Everyone gets offered a free freshly made pastry treat of the day upon walking in. No matter whether you buy anything or not! Just a nice place to visit full of happy smiling faces."
According to a third reviewer, "The best breads and sweet treats in town!!! Exceptional customer service!!! They are a staple in the Fayetteville/Hope Mills area. The owners are also very involved with their community!"
Selling thousands of croissants and doughnuts each week, Superior Bakery attracts people from all over the state and nation.
"We have customers from as far away as Raleigh and Charlotte and from 15 minutes down the road. Travelers come off I-95 from California, Florida, Texas — all over. The Yelp reviews have helped us grow, for sure. It validates a lot of hard work and a lot of effort by a lot of people," Poulos said. "I'm thankful; it's unbelievable to get national attention."
From extending friendly greetings at the door, personally gifting complimentary sweet treats in the storefront and ensuring every product is prepared just right, Superior Bakery goes the extra mile for its patrons — treating each one like family.
"We want them to feel like they came to grandma's house," Poulos said.