'Paczki Day': National Bakery & Deli serves up Milwaukee’s favorite Fat Tuesday treat to long lines

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It’s the last day of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday; or here in Milwaukee, it's known as Paczki Day!

National Bakery & Deli prepared 40,000 paczkis for the day, from prune to raisin and raspberry.

People started lining up outside at 4:30 a.m. and doors opened at 6 a.m. with lines of people ready to get their deep fried, jelly-filled pastries.

For many families, it’s a tradition.

“I’ve been doing this my whole life and now I’m bringing my son to join in on the fun,” said Jennifer Thorp, who grew up right down the street from National Bakery & Deli.

This year National Bakery & Deli is celebrating 100 years in business.

CBS 58 saw some familiar faces in line at National Bakery in Milwaukee, including Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who also awarded the Milwaukee bakery with a proclamation declaring March 4 as National Bakery & Deli Day in the city.

Co-owners Bryant Krauss and Jeff Callen enjoy the excitement of Fat Tuesday every year -- bringing in accordion players to entertain people in line and each guest is greeted with a smile.

Doors will remain open until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.