The doors were closed today on Ruth and Bethany Stolzfus’s Washington Square establishment, the Village Bakery and Cafe. A sign on the locked front door today announced the demise of the business, and thanked all of the patrons who had bought cakes, had coffee and meals, and enjoyed the warmth of the bakery that had been built at the corner of Washington Square in Chestertown.
Goodbye Village Bakery
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Chestertownie says
Wow. What a horrible loss for Chestertown.
Tom Martin says
The food was too good and the cakes too supreme to be a reason. So what happened?? Economy? Banks? Notes? Other?
jenifer says
Say it ain’t so.
Nevin Dawson says
Although I love all of the bakeries in Chestertown, I can’t say I’m surprised that our little town can’t support all of three of them (or more, depending how you count).
Pam says
Another one bites the dust, how sad.
Farmer Boy says
They always seemed busy relative to other businesses in town. I echo the thoughts on their fine, homey food. Best of luck and hanks for all the awesome breakfasts in Galena and Chestertown!
Cheryl Jacobs says
So sad; unless we commit to patronizing local merchants we will continue to lose the local flavor and personality of our small town.
Susan Newton-Rhodes says
well, during galena years we drove 30 miles for their incredible glazed donuts and every friday has been donut day for me and any donut loving friends while in chestertown! we are crushed that village bakery has closed and not even a word ahead of time. i just hope that all of the dazed workers and hungry patrons have an opportunity to land softly. i wish the very best to all who have waited on our family over the years and want to thank the Stolfuz for bringing a different dining option to chestertown. i will certainly miss you all…..perhaps we will see something positive grow out of this very tough situation…..
Carla Massoni says
Sending my sympathies to the family. I remember when we locked the doors of our restaurant/hotel and I must tell you the depth of our loss remains vivid today.
Lanny says
What a terrible loss! Even the weight I won’t put on from not eating their Too Good cakes offers no consolation. We are all a little poorer for the closing of this fine business. Our sincerest condolences to everyone associated with the Village Bakery.
Stephanie Rameika says
Such a shame. I remember when I first moved to this area and Amity Bakery was in business. I was so disappointed when they closed, but then we had Village Bakery not too terribly long after. Everything they made was amazing, and the staff were so courteous. I didn’t get to patronize them as often as I would have liked, but every time I did, Molly and the rest of the gang were wonderful. My husband often brought home donuts for the kids or bought them for the Verizon crew at work. We will miss you Village Bakery. You provided the most delicious cake for my mother’s surprise birthday party last winter, and for Easter this spring. I wish each of you the best in whatever the future holds for you!
Cynthia McGinnes says
Does anyone know if the Village Bakery run by the same people in Kent Island also closed?
Robyn Affron says
I will miss my friends at Village Bakery. It was not just the great food but the lovely people that worked there and shared conversation with you and most of all knew your name. I will miss your smiles and wish you the best at what I know must be a difficult time. Bless all of you! Miss Robyn
Jane E. Hukill says
Good grief! I was in there at least 3 times per week. Lovely service and great food – morning, noon and night. It certainly was patronized – when ever I was there it was busy. We will miss them greatly. Frankly, I am stunned.
Rebecca Clough says
You have got to be kidding me….now where am i going to get the worlds only melt in your mouth donuts……Sorry Chestertown is losing another wonderful establishment….has to ponder why?
Hostess Sherlene says
I was sorry to hear this. And what’s next Acme?
Back to the Future says
Truly a sign of the times when a successful business can’t survive.
Karen says
Yes the one on Kent Island is closed as well!!
Shirley says
Where will I be able to get my great coconut cake from?
What a shame? Another store vanishes from our eyesight.
Jen Friedman says
I am so sad the Bakery is closed. It was my favorite place to eat lunch with my friends. What a fabulous place! I wish Ruth, Beth, and all the wonderful employees the best of luck. I know better than anyone how difficult and awful this can be. Chin up! Please know that you all did a wonderful job and will be missed terribly!
sandy says
There is more to this story. Closing a busy business without any notice. Closing your shop without notify your brides and one that has a wedding this Saturday how, where, when can they get the cakes they paid for and need. Again, no notice or return calls etc.
Footinmouth says
Thank u Sandy!!! thou I feel awful for anyone having to experience this kinda of loss … The victims I feel for terribly are the dedicated employees that found out the day before it closed it’s door that u no longer have employment in this economy. A good job now a days is a needle in a hay stack. People with families w had no time to prepare themselves for being wo employment. Or a retired person who needs that job! At least the stolzfus had time to prepare an idea of what was happening. Molly dowling was a outstanding manager … I really feel for her. Oh and she has children two beautiful girls. Barb Johnson is another employee that was a asset to that establishment as well. The thing no matter how u shake it was bad.
BT says
Great bavarian creme donuts. Best looking wait staff in town by far and very nice as well. That said a 10 dollar breakfast is easy to swallow but hard to justify. Historically family owned restaurants had a winning combo. The family lived upstairs and were always on hand working and keeping an eye. They owned or aspired to own the building. The whole family was involved. Lombardo’s in Ctown where the irish bar is now was a perfect example.
Liz Smith says
I, too , am saddened to find the Village Bakery has been forced to close. What is really tragic is that these people took a risk and went out on a financial limb to start a business. The investment in real estate, development, building and staffing represents a very significant investment. Sadly, the timing was tough as the economy went south about the same time. Regardless, the Bakery was busy, popular and provided employment and revenue for the community. This is what small business is all about !
Frankly, I think that everyone would be better served if the banks and tax offices would work with these entrepreneurs to come up with a plan to help them keep their doors open. Years ago, I took over running a local business that was in the midst of devastating financial hardship. Fortunately, I was able sit down with the local bank president, who allowed me to pay interest only on the mortgages for as long as was needed. Then I advised all of the creditors of my plight and assured them that they would all get paid in time if they would work with me … they did. Even the IRS agreed to cooperate (imagine that). The only other alternative was a bankruptcy filing which I refused because I was not willing to skip out on people in the community.
That was over 30 years ago. The long and short of the story is that the business survived, grew and thrived ! Everyone got paid and the long term benefit was immeasurable.
My point in all of this is that this country needs small businesses. Reward those who have the guts and conviction to step out on their own and take the risk. If they stumble …. help them up ! Every small business that closes in this community is a loss to all of us. If you subscribe to the Walmart – Big Box philosophy, frankly, well …. just drive to Middletown or Dover but on your way there, check out the number of empty buildings that were once owned and run by people like the Stolzfus’.
Joe says
Visited a number of times, but always got a sense from the waitstaff that you weren’t real important (and I always tip well) . In August I watched a large party come in and the waitresses could only come up with one menu for all of them. Face it- they built at the height of the real estate market and probably have a hell of a mortgage on a slim margin.