BY NATALIE MAHER
After a few tumultuous weeks debating on when or if they could reopen, Ann’s Pastry in downtown Wadsworth has reopened to the public.
Due to Covid-19, Ann’s Pastry Shop announced temporary closure on March 22, with the chance of it becoming a permanent closure, even after the state announced that it could reopen. On April 29, they announced they will begin taking steps to reopen, and they officially opened on May 1.
On April 24, 2020, a day after the shop announced the possibility of permanent closure, Tara Crowe Campbell decided to set up a GoFundMe page for the local business. The goal was set to raise $10,000 to help the business during this time.
“I was inspired to do this because it is special to me in my hometown. It is a generation after generation going in the shop,” said Campbell. “My grandma went in there, my mom went in as a child, I went in there growing up and now my children go in there.”
Campbell stated that she believes if the business were to go under, it would prove to be devastating for the city.
“Wadsworth has a hometown feel and commercial business is taking away from the simple life of Wadsworth,” said Campbell on why she is trying to help Ann’s Pastry.
Ann’s Pastry first opened its doors in 1957. It is well known all around the greater Wadsworth area for its donuts and sweets. This history within the shop for Wadsworth native Campbell is what inspired her to set up this page.
This business holds a history for Campbell and she hopes the business will be there in the future as she wants to be able to bring her grandchildren there as well.
The announcement of its reopening has not changed the plan for the GoFundMe page.
“My feeling on this is that they are making a small step forward and still need to come up with revenue to stay open,” said Campbell. “I will still keep it up another week and deliver the money and hopefully see the shop stays open.”
While others have taken this opportunity to support the local business, with the page having 90 donors and getting $3,404 of its $10,000 goal, others have been taking to Facebook to share a more negative opinion on the business and how it has been run.
When asked for an interview, the owner declined, wanting to prevent negative feelings on what the donations would be used for and the future of the business.
Despite these negative comments made on Facebook, this did not deter the business from reopening. A plan was also laid out on the steps being taken to protect employees and customers. They will have a limited menu. A statement was made on Ann’s Pastry’s Facebook page that said the menu would have a variety.
The post said, “consisting of donuts, most cookies, brownies, sweet treats and other sizes of ready to go cakes that can be written on and a few odds and ends including cannolis.”
The shop started off with small steps, announcing hours for only Friday and Saturday. The hours were from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
