Just over 7 months ago, it appeared as though a staple of Manitowoc was going to be gone forever.
Hartman’s Bakery on the corner of North 11th Street and New York Avenue caught fire in the early morning hours of July 27th, sending flames shooting through the roof of the kitchen, which had original equipment.
But since then, owners Austin and Luisa Rehrauer, along with contractors and building professionals have been working hard, and last week, it all came to fruition.
Hartman’s Bakery is back in business.
Customers piled into the store looking to support the business that has been an icon in the city since the 1950s.
“Being a Manitowoc resident my entire life I have always stopped at Hartman’s Bakery before school, work,” one customer told Seehafer News. “It’s great to see it open and packed. I plan on continuing to come in here to get a long john.”
One woman voiced her happiness as she held her child, who was also quite excited.
“I’m so happy for the owners and the employees that they were able to open up again,” she said. “It’s really cool to continue these traditions of Saturday morning donuts with our young children.”
As a literal sign of gratitude to the community that they call home, the Rehrauers posted a plaque outside which honors everyone who helped out as they recovered from what could have been a death sentence for the bakery.
In a statement on Facebook, the couple said “We thank every each of you from the bottom of our hearts. Your help will never be forgotten. We love our community.”