Carmen’s bakery prepares to close
By: Melissa Randall
@Mrandallabc6
It’s hard for Carmen Umbelina to say good–bye.
“I always say see you later,” said the baker.
After 37 years, 24 of them spent on Rivet Street in New Bedford ‘Carmen’s bakery’ is closing up shop this week. Customers have been stopping by for one more loaf of sweet bread, and to wish her and husband, Luis, luck in retirement.
“Very sad. Really sad. Carmen is a very friendly owner of this place. She’s always in a good mood. I don’t know what to say. I don’t want to make her cry,” said Maria Demedeiros, along time customer.
Carmen has been baking since she was a teen, brining family recopies to the U.S. from her native Portugal. For her whipping up the tasty treats never truly felt like work.
“People ask how did you do that? With TLC I’d say. What does that mean? Tender love and care. So I love to do this job. I really do,” she told ABC6 News.
With just a short time left in the shop, she is spending this time thanking her loyal customers for all their support.
“I don’t have words that could explain how beautiful my customers were. I have the very best customers in the world,” she said.
Carmen’s hope is that someone else will buy the bakery, and carry on her traditions. The doors officially Thursday, December 31st at 2 pm.
© WLNE-TV 2015
