How to go
What: Rinaldo’s Bake Shoppe
Where: 910 Fairview Ave., Dayton
More information: (937) 274-1311 or www.rinaldosbakeshoppe.com
On Sunday, Sept. 13, we will say goodbye to a Dayton classic.
Rinaldo’s Bake Shoppe at 910 Fairview Ave. will close its doors Sunday for the last time.
The beloved business was founded nearly five decades ago by Rinaldo and Anna Stolfo, with their son, John, 56, operating the bakery in recent years.
In a thoughtful nod to accommodate longtime customers, the Stolfos chose to keep Dayton’s only kosher bakery open for the start of the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah begins on Monday, Sept. 14).
In a story Dayton Daily News reporter Mark Fisher wrote about Rinaldo’s closing announcement, John Stolfo posted the following:
“My father Rinaldo began sweetening the Dayton scene in 1957; later me and sister Sherry joined him in the business. It was always the intent that our third generation in the baking family would pass the torch on to a fourth generation as the many grandchildren cut their teeth at 910 West Fairview. However, it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter.
On September 13, 2015 Rinaldo’s will be closing the store and my father finally retiring.
All orders will be executed at that time and no future orders will be taken. We recommend supporting our local neighborhood Bakeries.
We thank you for your support and good will throughout the years. We hope you will cherish the memories as much as you enjoyed our baked goods. It was a privilege to serve you and be a part of your many life events.
Though you will no longer be our customer know that you are family. May our gratitude be a memory of your heart and permeate like the smell of my father’s freshly baked bread.
Thank you again for your patronage.”
The family is asking that any social media posts use the hashtag #rinaldomademycake so the family can track the sweet sentiments that are expressed on social media.
The Stolfos, both 84, have seen business boom at the beginning and then dwindle over time. At one time, police were required to direct traffic around the iconic bakery prior to Jewish holidays, a far cry from the traffic the Stolfos say they get now.
The 6,000-square-foot building Rinaldo’s has called home for so many years is for sale, as is the business.
I have a feeling that there won’t be much to purchase the next few days, but if you get a chance to buy something — a cookie, cake or a beautiful knotted loaf of Challah bread — you should.
What the Stolfos and their son John create are baked goods with history, made with 50 years of experience and know-how. It’s food with soul, made and sold as part of a life’s mission, passion and purpose. Something that’s harder and harder to find these days.
I’m sad to see it go, but am very grateful for the number of years we had it.
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