About Us

The Cimino family (Al, Shirley, Zachary & Mariah) purchased Paul's Pastry shop in September 2019, just 6 months prior to covid.  We are one of the oldest operating pastry shops in North Carolina.  The store opened as Phil's in September of 1940.  Paul Converse worked for Phil and in 1968, Paul purchased it and changed the name to Paul's Pastry Shop.  It has remained a staple in Burlington since then.  Its original location was just 2 shops down from the 720 S Church Street that opened in 2000.  

When you walk into Paul’s Pastry Shop, you might notice the misfits hiding in every nook and cranny of the pastry shop. “Misfits” are donuts that are misshapen, too small or don’t quite turn out right.

 Rather than toss these misfits in the bin, Paul’s owner Al Cimino turns them into little creatures, complete with googly eyes and outfits! While misfits are not sold, they do have a sneaky way of ending up in the boxes of birthday cake orders, customer to-go bags, special deliveries – and as surprise decorations. They are spontaneous, unplanned and unique to Paul’s. 

The misfits add a touch of character to this historic pastry shop and reflect what Paul’s Pastry Shop has been about for over 80 years: a whimsical, classic bakery and cornerstone in the Burlington community, known not just for their delicious baked goods and donuts but for the welcoming environment each owner has cultivated within the ever-evolving building on the edge of the Downtown.

Paul’s Pastry has expanded their baked goods lineup under the Cimino's’ ownership, essentially rediscovering Paul's roots as something more than a daily donut shop. Paul's Pastry is not a donut shop but a pastry shop that specializes in making donuts, pies, scones, muffins, pastries, custom cakes, and much much more.  We offer espresso done the Paul’s was and just recently created our Blueberry glaze donut done the Paul’s way.  Stop by for a great cup of our Paul’s Pastry blend coffee and a sweet treat.  At the end of the day….any leftovers of our donuts are donated to our local fire department, police department or shelters.  We strive to offer the freshest goodies every day. 

Everyone is welcome and don’t be surprised if the owner Al comes out and starts a conversation with you about what’s your day look like.

Next time you are craving a sweet treat, donut, or a cup of coffee, head to Paul’s, check out the misfits, support a fantastic local business, and be a part of the next generation of Paul’s Pastry goers in Burlington NC.