JASPER, IN (WFIE) -
After 101 years in business, Jasper City Bakery is closing.
Jeff and Monica Tunks represent the fourth different ownership in the bakery's 101 years of existence.
They say the key to the bakery's success has been its value of tradition, echoed in its motto 'Making things from scratch since 1911.'
"There's very few companies out there that make things from scratch every day. Anything else we've ever sold here in our market has always been made by hand. And people will miss it," the Tunkses told 14 News.
Often stores, like this bakery, close because they simply can't get enough business. The Tunkses say, that isn't the case this time. Instead, they cite personal health problems, soaring utility costs, and politics, as the reasons for the closure.
"We've been begging for assistance from our chamber. We've been begging for assistance from our mayor, just to help. Communities should all work together. It's about networking. It's about making sure that we're all here to support the small-town people."
Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz says he understands the Tunkses view, and says the city has offered a consolidation plan to lower the bakery's utility rates. Seitz also says the city does everything it can to support local business, though it isn't in the business of playing favorites.
"Businesses do come and go. We'd love to have that operation stay," Mayor Seitz said. "We wish them great success in their existing businesses that they have in town. Unfortunately, it comes down to economics or other things that work out for an owner of a business."
Jeff and Monica Tunks say they're hopeful this is not a permanent end to the bakery, as they hope someone will buy the store and keep this 100-year tradition alive.
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Many Jasper locals showed up Friday to buy the remaining products both the market and the bakery have to offer, and the Tunkses say, they are thankful for the support.
