Pulling up to 6 S State St in Westerville, Ohio, before sunrise feels like joining a secret club where the password is just knowing that Schneider’s Bakery opens at six and the good stuff vanishes before most people finish their morning coffee.
I learned this lesson the hard way one Saturday when I strolled in at ten thirty expecting a full case of donuts and found mostly empty trays and a few apologetic smiles from the staff.
Now I set my alarm, throw on whatever clothes are closest, and make the pilgrimage while the sky is still that soft purple-gray that makes you question your life choices until the scent of fresh dough hits you at the door…