After Opening In 1959, Zaro's Bakery Closing Parkchester, Bronx Location
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A landmark bakery is shutting its doors Monday after decades of serving up sweet treats in the Bronx.
Devoted customers have been lining up at Zaro's bakery in Parkchester to get some of the bakery's staple items — like their famous challah bread and black-and-white cookies.
"I had to come for the last hooray," said customer Desi K. Robinson. "My best friend and I grew up in the Bronx."
Second-generation owner Stuart Zaro said Olshan Properties did not allow him to renew the lease, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.
"Five weeks ago or thereabouts I get a letter in the mail saying 'your lease is over,December 31st, you're out,'" Zaro said.
Customers are heartbroken. Many said they've been coming here for decades.
"Now what? Where am I going to get my coffee, where am I going to get my Zaro's bakery goods?" said customer Ken Sanoguet. "When I found out they're going to end the lease, I said, 'How am I going to do this?"
Zaro's bakery opened this location in 1959 just off the Cross Bronx Expressway.
The owner posted a sign on the door telling customers to call Olshan Properties to express concerns. CBS2 tried contacting the spokesperson for that company and has not heard back.
People are now questioning how shutting down what's become a Bronx institution will affect the community.
"It will not be the same," said Robinson.
"We need this place," said Rev. Dr. Fernando Otero. "There must be another way. I would urge them to reconsider."
The Bronx location will close at 9 p.m. Monday.
Zaro's has 10 other locations in Manhattan and New Jersey, which will remain open. The owner said he's trying to find another spot in Parkchester.