NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — A longtime staple in Niagara Falls is closing its doors after decades of serving the community.
DiCamillo Bakery says an armed robbery over the weekend had staff scared for their lives. It was the latest of many.
“That location had been there since 1986, but I would say that we have had a presence in that neighborhood for our entire 100-year existence, 101-year existence,” said Matthew DiCamillo, the vice president of DiCamillo Bakery.
Seeing the shelves bare with a sign saying the doors of DiCamillo Bakery on Pine Avenue are closed for good is an unfamiliar site for this community.
The reason for this closure is staff safety.
What You Need To Know
- DiCamillo Bakery was robbed Saturday
- Over the past few years, the bakery has been the target of many crimes
- The Pine Ave. location will close, other four remain open
An armed robbery Saturday left staff traumatized at a location that was already facing staffing issues because of potential danger.
Matthew DiCamillo says closing was a sad but necessary step.
“There are times when that area of town is just not very safe," he explained. "I think that, unfortunately, we have bared a lot of the brunt of that.”
“I personally would like to tell the DiCamillo family that I am very sorry for this happening,” said Bill Kennedy, a Niagara Falls City Councilman.
Two years ago, Kennedy called for more resources for police and programs to help uplift the area.
He says those requests still stand.
“A longtime staple, the fabric of Niagara Falls, is afraid for their safety," he said. "That's a big issue. That's something that should be a priority.”
A new business owner in the area who did not want to give his name said the crime isn't scaring him away, adding that it’s just part of life.
Councilman Kennedy says he thinks we can do a little bit better in Niagara Falls.
“It breaks my heart because at one time, this city really, really was amazing, and it still can be,” said Kennedy.
Whether that can happen though … only time will tell.
“I don't think there's a single business owner on Pine Avenue that doesn't have hope for Pine Avenue," said DiCamillo. "They wouldn't be there if they didn't.”
Staff from the Pine Avenue location will stay employed with the bakery. They’ll just be working from one of the other four DiCamillo locations across Niagara and Erie counties.
