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Fair Mario's Bakery temporarily closes, Emile's Candies shifts to shipping, curbside pickup in Oceanside
Not all is sweet in the world right now, but that won’t stop the spring holidays from coming.
Oceanside and Island Park’s bakeries and candy shops are dealing with losses because of the coronavirus, while forging forward and preparing for Easter and Passover. Many are open in some capacity, with the exception of Mario’s Bakery, on Merrick Road in Oceanside, which announced via social media Sunday that it is closed until further notice.
“Let’s be safe and healthy,” the post reads, thanking customers for their support. “Happy Easter. Happy Passover. We will reopen soon.”
Also on Merrick Road, in Oceanside, Emile’s Candies is looking toward E-commerce for a boost in these rough times, said owner Jackie Brown.
The shop had planned to launch its online store this summer, but sped up the process and opened it last week to accommodate new pressures in the business. Until further notice, customers are not permitted into the shop.
“It’s a different kind of busy,” Brown said, noting that business is down about a quarter from what it typically would be this season. The shop has cut staff and added the stress of taking all phone orders — and shipping orders, as well.
“We’ve never done this,” Brown said, “but we’re lucky enough that we can still service or customers.”
For decades, Emile’s chocolate bunnies have been a staple for many families’ holidays, she noted. “We have great customer base and following because it’s what they do for Easter,” she said. “So I’m not all doom and gloom. We’re making the best of it.”
