The next step is getting the city to accept Bread for taxes and other city services and to use Bread to partially fund development projects, like a local bike path.

FORBES: Funny Money

Can a mass-market retailer successfully sell both gourmet olive oil to City analysts in London and white bread north of Watford?

ECONOMIST: Face value

The problem is not that they lack for philanthropy but that city government has itself disinvested in such bread-and-butter matters as park maintenance.

FORBES: John Paulson's Smart (New) Bet