Man Stabs 2 Bakery Workers Over Sandwich Complaint

A bizarre and violent scene unfolded at a New Jersey bakery this week after a man allegedly returned to confront staff about a sandwich he purchased four years ago—and ended up stabbing two employees.

The incident happened Thursday morning at Baladna Bakery in South Paterson, where police say a man walked in ranting about an old sandwich that he claimed made him sick. According to a witness, the man insisted the sandwich had eggplant in it—an ingredient he said he was allergic to—and claimed it had caused a severe reaction.

Despite workers offering him a refund or store credit, the customer reportedly became increasingly aggressive and ultimately pulled a knife, attacking the two men behind the counter.

“He just lost it,” said Moneer Simrin, a friend of the victims. “They tried to calm him down and get him out of the store, but he started cursing and then pulled a knife and began stabbing.”

The bakery’s owner was stabbed in the chest, while his brother suffered deep slashes to his arm and hand. Both men were rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Hospital, where they remained hospitalized Friday. Their current conditions have not been publicly released.

Samer, a witness at the scene, said the attack shocked the entire neighborhood. “I heard screaming and ran out. One of the brothers was holding his arm—he was bleeding badly. It was terrifying. Everyone here knows them. They’re very kind people.”

The bakery has remained closed since the attack as the search continues for the suspect, who fled on foot down Main Street. Police have not yet released a description of the man, and no arrests have been made.

Paterson Mayor André Sayegh visited the area Friday to speak with residents and reassure business owners. “People are scared, and understandably so. This is not something we normally see here,” he said. “The police are fully committed to finding whoever did this and making sure justice is served.”

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

It’s not every day someone tries to settle a four-year-old sandwich grudge with a knife—but for this quiet bakery, a normal morning turned into a nightmare.