Waas Bakery owner dies after sudden illness
THE PROPRIETOR of Waas Bakery has died after a sudden illness.
American entrepreneur Bruce Gilardi took over the business in 2016 from previous owner Charlie Hodge.
He rebranded Walls Bakery as Waas and set about introducing “fresher, higher quality” ingredients and products into the business.
The businessman introduced a range of artisan breads – including puckle, tattie and sourdough loaves – that proved hugely popular throughout the islands.
Gilardi, who was in his 50s, had family roots in Shetland that dated back hundreds of years.
His previous ventures included raising funding for a luxury chocolate company in New York and a design firm in Sarajevo.
He also served in the US Navy and worked as a banker in Zurich.
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