Macri's Bakery open and stocked for Fat Tuesday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Today is Fat Tuesday, and people across Michiana are gearing up for a sweet tradition, paczki.   

Macri's started selling paczki three weeks ago and with thousands of orders expected, the team is working around the clock to make today run smoothly.  

Staff have been coming in very early, 8 p.m., midnight, and even 3 a.m. some mornings to prepare for one of the bakery's busiest days of the year.  

Macri's is making it easy with a number system, pre-order pickups, and even self-service kiosks.  

Head of Operations and Public Relations Adriana Macri says they will be selling paczki until Saturday March 8, and after that you will have to wait until next year.

"We have a very organized setup here today and tomorrow. There's a number system in place, but if you have a pre order pickup, there's a separate line for that as well, so you can plan for an expedited experience. Regardless, my team is working hard, harder than ever, but we have a nice setup for whether you just walk in or you have an order," Macri said. 

Macri's will have extended hours Tuesday and are open from now to 7 p.m.