Alberton bakery says goodbye to location

ALBERTON – After almost three years of operation, the Dee-lish Bakery in Alberton has begun the process of shutting down the combined bakery and boutique.

According to Terry Simmons, owner and operator of the bakery, the main reason she has decided to close down is lack of traffic. She said business has not been good enough to keep the store in operation. The main cause of this was a lack of business in the summer.

Simmons said most businesses in the area rely on heavy business in the summer months to provide a cushion to carry them through the winter. The bakery was never able to build up this cushion and have enough savings to make it through slow periods.

“The summer business is really what it boils down to,” said Simmons. “There wasn’t enough to carry me through the winter…I didn’t have that cushion that I needed to make it.”

According to Simmons, the main cause of the lack of traffic was a large road construction project last year. For several months Interstate 90 westbound was closed and the Alberton exits blocked off. She said the roadwork caused many businesses to suffer, as travelers were unable to stop in.

“They had the frontage road torn up at the same time they had the freeway torn up,” said Simmons. “There was no access. I had cyclists who were stranded, looking to hitch a ride past the construction.”

She said the other side of the issue was the continued economic turmoil from the recession. While some areas have improved, others continue to have trouble and Simmons felt smaller communities were in the latter.

“As much as people want to say the economy’s getting better, it’s really not for a lot of people,” said Simmons. “Especially in areas like this.”

Simmons would like to continue doing business in town but is not certain she can make it work. She enjoyed working in her store and said it was nice to have the sun shine through the windows while using the kitchen in back. As much as she does not want to close down, there has been very little choice.

“I don’t want to do it, but it’s just not paying the bills right now,” said Simmons. “For whatever reason, it hasn’t worked out.”

However, this will not be the end. Simmons still plans to provide catering services and has some possible opportunities in Missoula. Several businesses have also asked to carry her baked goods. This is actually somewhat beneficial, because without the shop to run, Simmons can focus on her baking and catering. She also plans to donate her baked goods to organizations and events around the community.

“It’s all just stuff I haven’t focused on because I had to be here [at the store],” said Simmons. “So, I’m not totally gone.”

One way or another, Simmons plans to stay in the area. She said she lives a little way outside Alberton and loves the town. If she opened another shop, the hope is for it to be in Alberton.

“[I] never say never because I don’t know,” said Simmons.

The bakery will officially close its doors on Saturday, February 1. Simmons plans to keep the Dee-lish Bakery’s website and Facebook page active after the shop closes.