Bakery on Maple looks for big weekend before making a big decision about the future of the business

Bakery on Maple owners Erika Stirk and David Landi prepare for a weekend that might decide the future of the business. | David Fortier

Posted By: David Fortier January 6, 2024

By David Fortier

The post that greeted followers on its Facebook page Friday held a dire warning.

“We need a huge Saturday and Sunday (9a-3p) here because it may be the last.” the post begins.

It is followed with, “I’m thoroughly disappointed that I have to share this but the bakery may be closing on Monday.”

The bakery is Bakery on Maple, a local favorite for its custom baked treats and gourmet custom cakes.

Come Saturday morning owners Erika Stirk and David Landi were busy preparing for the day. Stirk was preparing a tray of bars and Landi hovered over a tray of croissants. Trays of treats were stored in carts, ready to be displayed in the cases out front.

Obviously, they had been working for hours.

“A lot of people are behind us,” Landi said. “They are supportive of small businesses in Bristol.”

Today, they can show their support in some very specific ways, he said.

From upper left, a tray of croissants ready for the oven, David Landi sprays croissant with an egg wash, Erika Stirk prepares a tray of bars and the Bakery on Maple storefront on the corner of Federal and Maple streets. | David Fortier

“It’s little things like just coming in buying something small, coming in saying, ‘Hi.'”

He said that he and Stirk have been working behind the scenes to address financing and is hopeful that some arrangement can be made, but support from the community is key.

In the meantime, one customer has set up a GoFundMe page.

“Hi, my name is Danny. I am a small business owner in Bristol,” the post begins. “Erika has been baking my cakes for well over 15 years after speaking with Erika and Dave I’ve decided to set up a go fund me.” Click here.

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