CLARK — By 6 a.m. on Friday morning, Vaccaro’s Bakery was already almost out of brownies, rye bread, pecan rings, crumb cakes and parking spaces as residents from across the region clambered to secure a place in line for the final time.
Last week, the bakery’s owners, Eileen and Vinny Vaccaro, announced via social media that the family-owned business would be shutting down after 50 years of service.
“The decision to close comes with mixed emotions, but it is time for us, the owners, to embark on a new chapter in our lives,” Eileen and Vinny said in a Facebook post last week. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and supportive community for being a part of our story. Your patronage and friendship have been the cornerstone of our success and the memories forged within these walls will forever remain in our hearts.”
For many members of the local community, the news came as a real blow.
“I just can’t believe this,” said Donna Stec, who arrived at the bakery on Friday afternoon in hopes of grabbing one last black-and-white cookie. “This place is an institution. It’s a part of the fabric of our town. We’re really going to miss it.”
Vaccaro’s closed its doors for the final time over the weekend after selling out for four days in a row.
According to information provided by the bakery’s website (which, like the business itself, has now gone dark), the company, which once operated a second location in Colonia, was started by Vinny’s grandfather, Ralph, in 1954. Throughout the course of its long history, Vaccaro’s became known throughout the region for its fresh bread, homemade delicacies, decorative wedding cakes and sweet creations.
“I’ve been waiting here since 6 a.m., and I’m okay with that,” said Diane Winter, who worked at the bakery’s Colonia location when she was just 16. “There are a lot of memories here for a lot of folks, and I think we’re all just here to wish the family well and to thank them for everything that they have done for us over the years. We all have our favorites, and we’re willing to wait for them.”
Doug Winkle, a longtime fan of the bakery and the family behind it, shared similar sentiments.
“We lived in Maryland for a time, but once a year my aunt would come up and buy about 50 crumb buns and a bunch of bread, and then we would freeze it all and bring it out on special occasions. We loved it,” he said. “We’ve been coming here for 50 years. I’m not supposed to eat this stuff anymore, but I’m going to today.”
For others, however, the long lines — and the chances that the bakery would sell out of a favorite item — were simply too much of a deterrent.
“Oh my God,” one woman cried as she walked up to the front door. “Look at this! I’ll never be able to wait that long. I’ll never have another pecan ring again. Oh, that’s tragic. Totally tragic.”
She clasped her hands above her heart and sighed dramatically before heading back to her car empty-handed.
“You know, that would have been one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen if I didn’t feel the same way about the rye bread,” a man said, laughing from his spot in line. “Totally tragic is right.”
The Vaccaros said via social media that the decision to close was not an easy one to make.
“As we retire, we reflect on the joy and satisfaction this bakery has brought us over the years,” they said. “It has been an incredible journey, filled with sweet memories and cherished moments shared with each and every one of you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your patronage, support, and friendship over the past 50 years.”
