Community rallies to save bakery after backlash to its support of LGBTQ+ people

When Bakery on Maple opened in Bristol, CT in 2021, owners Erika and Dave Landi had a mission beyond creating delicious bread and pastries. They wanted to use their business to offer support to the community.

But they didn’t know what that would cost them.

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“When the bakery started I knew what I wanted to do, what I didn’t know was the toll it might take on the business. I’ve given back to this community publicly and privately and have done so in many different ways,” Erika Landi wrote on Facebook last week, announcing that the business was in dire financial straits and asking for help.

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“I have also used my bakery’s platform to stand with and support the LGBTQ community even though it’s cost me customers and revenue. I still stand with them because they deserve that. But now I’m asking for your support because I’ve given everything I can.”

Shortly after opening, religious activists held a rally for “traditional marriage” near the store.

“And if this is the end of my journey I want you all to know that I love everyone of you! Including those who weren’t happy with me or my work because it made me better,” Landi continued. “I wish you all the joy and happiness in the world!”

But people statewide ensured the couple got some joy and happiness in return. In freezing weather, hundreds of locals turned up in droves to support them and keep the business afloat.

When they opened the doors the next morning, there was a line of folks waiting to make purchases. They sold out within an hour and a half. After closing briefly to bake more, the lovefest continued and they sold out again 45 minutes later.

Many customers brought handmade signs of support or, unexpectedly, treats for the staff and owners. And instead of opening their doors on Sunday, the staff had to close the store so they could create all the morsels ordered online on Saturday. Another customer started a GoFundMe for the store.

“O.M.G!!!! You all crushed us with your love and support yesterday! We had never expected or experienced what happened yesterday and I’m still a little shocked!” Landi said in a followup Facebook post on Sunday.

“As for our plan moving forward, we are going to keep pushing on with a renewed commitment to this community. With the amount of love we saw and kindness we felt we can’t help but to keep trying.”

“Thank you all again!! Today, I cried. They were happy tears! Thank you, everyone for that!”