Sweet Success on the Boards: Monkey Bread Celebrates 25 Years of Ocean City Magic!

From the moment you step onto the Ocean City Boardwalk, an undeniable aroma captures your senses: the sweet, cinnamon-infused scent of warm, sticky monkey bread. This irresistible fragrance isn’t just a smell; it’s the unofficial start to countless summer vacations, a signal of sugary delight, and a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. This summer marks the momentous 25th season of this iconic boardwalk bakery.

It started in the summer of 2001 when a local couple first introduced the sweet, pull-apart treat to boardwalk-goers. Among their early employees was Laura Idell, a driven high school student who, years later, would turn a summer job into a lifelong dream. “I worked at the bakery through high school and college,” recalls Idell. She took the reins in 2011 during her senior year in college. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business, but never dreamed it would be right out of college, so I had to take advantage of the opportunity.”

The secret to Monkey Bread’s remarkable longevity and success, according to Laura, lies in a trifecta of “consistency, creativity, and community.” She explains, “We’ve always focused on creating a quality product that people look forward to year after year.” This dedication to a beloved classic is balanced with a spirit of innovation. “We’ve built a loyal following serving Monkey Bread people love, while keeping things fresh with new flavors, seasonal specials, and fun twists.” Beyond the delicious offerings, it’s the genuine connections forged over two and a half decades that truly set Monkey Bread apart. “For 25 years, we’ve built relationships with locals and visitors who’ve made Monkey Bread part of their summer tradition. Our amazing staff, many of whom started as teenagers and return year after year, bring the energy and warmth that make this place special.”

The vibrant atmosphere of the Ocean City Boardwalk itself is an integral part of the Monkey Bread experience. “It’s the energy — there’s nothing like it,” Laura enthuses. “From sunrise walks to sunset crowds, the boardwalk is full of life, tradition, and pure magic. We get to be part of people’s summer memories, year after year, and that’s something really special.”

While Monkey Bread, available in 13 delightful flavors, remains the undisputed star, the menu has evolved to offer a wider array of tempting treats. “We’ve expanded our menu over the years to keep things fun and fresh,” says Idell. This includes a refreshing selection of specialty boardwalk lemonades, each with its own playful twist, like the “Shark Bite Lemonade” infused with gummy sharks or the “Peachy Keen Lemonade” topped with peach rings. Healthier options like Acai Bowls loaded with granola and fresh fruit are also popular, alongside freshly baked banana breads, homemade cookies, and crumb cake. “We’re always experimenting with new ideas to surprise our customers — whether it’s a limited-edition Monkey Bread flavor or a refreshing new drink to beat the boardwalk heat.”

To celebrate their 25th Anniversary, Monkey Bread is rolling out a week of special events and discounts from Wednesday, June 25th, to Sunday, June 29th!

Here’s what customers can look forward to:

• Wednesday, June 25th: 25 Lucky Winners! Purchase any family pack, and if you find the gold star in your package, you’ll get FREE merch!
• Thursday, June 26th: Ribbon Cutting! Join Laura and the Monkey Bread team for a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 12 PM with the OC Chamber of Commerce to celebrate 25 sweet years on the boardwalk!
• Friday, June 27th: 25 Lucky Winners! Purchase any lemonade, and if you find the gold star, you’ll receive a FREE family pack!
• Saturday, June 28th: Throwback to Original Pricing! Step back in time from 2 PM to 5 PM and enjoy a single Monkey Bread (any flavor) at its original 2001 opening price!
• Sunday, June 29th: FREE Mini! The first 25 customers of the day will receive a FREE Mini Monkey Bread with any purchase.

As Monkey Bread celebrates this significant milestone, Idell extends a heartfelt message of gratitude to the loyal patrons who have made it all possible. “A heartfelt thank you to our loyal customers. Whether you’ve been stopping by for 25 years or just discovered us this summer – your support means everything.Monkey Bread has become more than a treat—it’s a boardwalk tradition and we are so grateful to be a part of your Ocean City Memories,” she concludes, inviting everyone to “be sure to check out our anniversary events & specials!”

Here’s to many more years of sweet success and unforgettable boardwalk memories for Monkey Bread on the Ocean City Boardwalk!