Jack Nicholson was first introduced to a memorable bakery while filming Ironweed in Albany in 1987. Nicholson’s driver was from Schenectady, New York, and while Nicholson was in the area, the driver introduced Nicholson to local favorites such as Peleka’s Bakery. It didn’t take long for Nicholson to develop an affinity for the breads made at the 106-year-old shop. The driver would regularly bring bread for the actors to set. Nicholson’s photo still hangs proudly in the bakery.

To this day, Nicholson’s love of bread influences restaurants and bakeries, and his friends stop by specifically for the breads he raved about. Nicholson allegedly asked friends visiting California to bring bread and ordered the bread to be shipped to his home. Co-owner Maria Papa said: W.M.H.T. Nicholson cherishes the bread and freezes it, and even says he would rather give customers money than the bread.

Nicholson isn’t the only one who admires him. “No trip to Schenectady is complete without a stop at this legendary bakery,” a customer wrote. TripAdvisorsaid that this bread deserves to be dipped in coffee or wine, and suggested eating it with slices of Mortadella deli meat. Another described the rustic bread as being like a “time trip” and recommended Peleka’s takeout sandwich.

There are very few family-owned businesses that have been around for over 100 years, and Pelleka’s is one of them. The bread-making tradition was passed down to Salvatore and Carmela Pellecca, who left Italy and arrived in America in 1913. Pelleka bread has been made in coal-burning brick ovens since 1914. Its recipe recalls the Pelleca family’s home base outside Naples, Italy, where its thick skin and nutty flavor have captured the hearts of residents and celebrities alike.

It’s not just the bread that visitors come back for. This pizza is known as some of the best pizza in America, and the tomato pie made with seasoned red sauce, Romano, and Parmesan cheese is also popular. “I go out of my way for the bread and tomato pie. It’s always worth it,” one fan wrote. Yelp. “The facility! Everything is amazing! The bread is amazing and the cupcakes are incredible!” added another.

In addition to the bakery, the restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine, with bread arriving at your table with your order of pasta or chicken piccata. The loaves come in both round and rectangular pans, and in 1 pound and 2 pound sizes. Currently, they are also sold at nearby stores, including local co-ops. For a bakery with over a century of fan following, Perreca’s is clearly doing something right.