The Fondy Frontline: The Ol’ Bread Box — Fond du Lac’s Nostalgic CornerGrocery

The Ol’ Bread Box, tucked away at 721 S Military Road, brings a warm, old-fashioned charm to Fond du Lac. Once known as “Mrs. Karl’s Bread Thrift Store,” the shop continues its nearly 30-year tradition of offering affordable Butternut bread products alongside favorites like Brandon Meats, Star Dairy items, Faris Gourmet Popcorn, and Ang & Ed’s Pizza. With its friendly atmosphere and familiar faces, many customers lovingly compare it to a “corner Cheers bar”—a place where everyone feels welcome.

Owner Charlene Gessner stepped in when Butternut planned to close its thrift stores, buying the shop to preserve a place she had already devoted 12 years of her life to. Now, 17 years into ownership, she still runs the store with the same simple mission: treat people kindly and keep a bit of the past alive. “When people come in here, it’s nostalgic,” Charlene says. “My people are the best. I want them to leave feeling good.”

Shoppers come for the savings, especially on bread, buns, and everyday staples—but they stay for the uniqueness. The Ol’ Bread Box is the only store of its kind in Fond du Lac, offering both thrift bread products and fresh bakery options like raisin bread and Texas toast. Even items nearing the end of their shelf life find a purpose here: families enjoy them affordably, and farmers later use any expired goods for animal feed. “If I
hadn’t done this, shame on us that we don’t respect food,” Charlene says. “This is a way to use what we have.”

With its cozy feel, friendly owner, and roots in local tradition, The Ol’ Bread Box remains a small but meaningful part of Fond du Lac’s community fabric. Whether stopping in for a deal, a favorite local product, or simply a warm conversation, customers walk out with more than groceries—they walk out with a smile.

The Ol’ Bread Box retail hours are: Monday – Friday 9am-5:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm,
Sunday Closed.

Written by: Alison Helleberg