BY EMILY BRANDYBERRY

After almost losing Ann’s Pastry back in May due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the downtown staple has been purchased by a Wadsworth family.

The Hassinger family decided to make the acquisition after finding out that the current owner was ready to retire, but did not want to see the business shut down. Together, former Medina County Sheriff Neil Hassinger, along with his wife Patricia and three of their five kids, Chris, Craig and Cheryl, who they plan on making the face of the company, bought the bakery.

“We have been here since the early seventies and we have been going there for many years and knew that it was the heart of Wadsworth’s downtown,” said Chris. “We wanted to be a part of that.”

Since buying the business a little over a week ago, the family has tried to take the business and make it their own. They have kept the same staff with a few additions, however, they have been implementing their own ideals for how they want things done, from customer service to food quality.

“Food wise, we have really tried to work on freshness, so people aren’t getting day old products,” said Chris. “We have also started working on some of Ann’s original recipes, so we can bring some of those back.”

Although they are only a week in, the family has enjoyed getting to take on this new adventure with each other. They are also thankful for the support they have been getting from the community since the purchase was made.

“It’s very exciting getting to work alongside all of my family,” said Hayden Hassinger, new employee and daughter of Chris. “We have always wanted to own a business in Wadsworth, so it’s been cool to see it all come together.”

The Hassinger’s felt prepared to take over the business with their two bakers and years of experience running their own companies and it shows. Since taking over sales have been through the roof, selling out multiple days in the past week.

“We are just really appreciative of the business already,” said Chris. “We sold out Saturday and Monday, and we are very blessed to have a nice community that supports local business.”

Ann’s is open Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays from 6 AM to 2 PM.