In a heartwarming display of community support, Bristol residents came together to rescue a beloved local business from the brink of closure this weekend.
Erika Stirk, the owner of the Bakery on Maple, took to Facebook last week to express the dire financial situation the bakery faced, indicating that the past weekend might mark the end of their operations due to a significant decline in sales.
Stirk cited the bakery’s vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community and their rights as a potential reason for the drop in customers.
Over 300 individuals responded to the call for assistance, flooding the bakery over the weekend to ensure the Bakery on Maple could continue its operations.
Stirk, appreciative of the overwhelming community response, emphasized the bakery’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “We’re here for the community, no matter who you are, no matter what you are, no matter what color you are, no matter what clothes you wear, no matter who you love. We’re here for everybody.”
In a strategic move to attract more business, the Bakery on Maple will be adjusting its operating hours. Starting from now, the bakery will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. The shift in hours aims to create a more accessible and convenient schedule for patrons, contributing to the sustained success of this local establishment.