Fratello Bakery Shutting Its Doors

Though it's only been here on Main Street for about 7 months, just couldn't find the customer base to support its operations, according to the store's baker Zina Mansueto.   

"Italian cookies, butter cookies, Italian pastry, cakes, the bread was very good," Mansueto said with a matronly Italian accent. "We were doing OK the whole month of October, but then with that stupid storm we were out of power for 5 days, so you know."

The store had its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony — — in May. 

Mansueto, who said she's been baking professionally since she was at least 10 years old, had hoped that De Vita would keep the business open through the holidays, which are traditionally a strong time for sales at bakeries. 

But, foregoing any Christmas-time miracles, Mansueto will be out of a job at the close of business Saturday — and that's tough break for a breadmaker who gets up early, works hard all day and enjoys preparing baked goods more than relaxing.

Mansueto, a Washington Township resident, thinks when all is said and done at Fratello, she might take a month-long vacation at a home her family owns just outside Palermo, Italy.

But until then, she'll be looking for work at another bakery. 

"That's the only thing I know," Mansueto said.

Fratello was a notable local business for its policy of donating unsold bread and other items to . 

“Rather than just throw it out, we donate it,” De Vita said in an August interview. “We can’t make use of it anymore but someone else who needs it can.” 

Owner Joe De Vita was unavailable for comment Thursday.

Fratello's final day of business is scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.