BANGOR, Maine — There was once a day when almost every major community had at least one locally owned bakery that served up freshly baked bread, pastries and other tasty treats to throngs of hungry customers.
Over the years though, many of those have slowly gone by the wayside, shutting down as larger chains and grocery stores captured the bulk of the business. But among the remaining local bakeries, one marked a special anniversary Saturday.
Frank’s Bake Shop and Catering on State Street marked seven decades in business as throngs of customers crowded its lobby and dining area, many of them clutching copies of a newly published book detailing the business’ history.
“The food here and the service here is beyond everything else in Bangor. Their turkey pie is to die for,” said customer Jane Giroux, who added that she has frequented the store for about 60 years.
Part owner Theresa Soucy shared the family-owned company’s secret to longevity.
“It’s all about servicing people and listening to what their needs are and providing them with that service,” she said. “We were brought up to really listen to what our customers want.”
While the longstanding bakery is still challenged with competition from modern chains, the business’ owners said they are not worried about the business’ continued longevity.
Rather than look at them as competition, they look at them as enhancements to the region that attract more people and eventually more customers. Also, says Soucy, Frank’s Bake Shop serves a particular clientele.
“We have a niche, and it’s that all of our products are made from scratch,” she said.
All of the products are made freshly each day with bakers arriving at the store at 3 a.m. to begin work.
In its current location since 1947, Frank’s has been a family business since its birth two years earlier.
It was founded by the current owners’ grandfather, Frank Soucy, their father, Joseph A. Soucy and his brother, Frank Soucy Jr.
Its original location was in a rented space on Hancock Street, where they served bread and pies and often would sell out of everything by 2 p.m., according to Theresa Soucy.
“I was 2 years old. They stuck me in a window, and I had to smile down on Hancock Street when the bakery opened,” said part owner Joseph W. Soucy.
After two years, the Soucys purchased the store’s current location on State Street and began expanding their lineup of baked goods to include items such as cakes, pastries, danishes, cookies, doughnuts and the business’ signature dish, turkey pie.
In all, Frank’s offers more than 800 different types of baked goods today, as well as freshly made ice cream, breakfast and custom catering.
The shop is currently owned and operated by siblings Bernadette Gaspar, Joseph Soucy, Dick Soucy, Theresa Soucy and Fleurette Dow.
Follow Evan Belanger on Twitter at @evanbelanger.