Landmark NJ bakery Mendoker's suddenly closes its doors

JAMESBURG — A landmark Middlesex County bakery has suddenly closed its doors.

Mendoker's Bakery on Railroad Avenue in Jamesburg is open one last time on Monday after 84 years of selling cookies, cakes and pies.

"It is with heavy heart full of sorrow that we must announce after 84yrs of business, we will be forced to permanently close our doors as of Monday, October 24th. We have weathered many storms together in this great town and have celebrated so many special occasions with so many families over the years," read a post by owner Edward Mendoker on the bakery's Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/places/Things-to-do-in-Monroe-Township-Middlesex-County-New-Jersey/106025372761050/

The post offered no specific reason for the closure.

"We have done everything in our power to keep our ovens hot and our handcrafted items on the shelf, but have become burdened with too many setbacks that we cannot overcome. We will not let our quality suffer for any reason.

According to the bakery's website, the oven in the store was the same one built brick-by-brick in five days in 1932. Edward Mendoker and his wife, Helen ran the bakery. His son Robert joined the business at the age of 12 and bought the business after his father's death in the early 1950s.

Mendoker's once had six stores and expanded its current location in 1985. Mendoker’s earned the National Bakery of the Year award from Bakery Magazine in 1989.

Customers were disappointed about the closing in the comments to the post with the sudden announcement.

"If there's anything we could do to change your mind to stay open all you need to do is ask. The families in Jamesburg and surrounding towns would do anything to help you stay open," John Shay wrote.

Barbara Padilla Gambino wrote "When I moved to NC, each return trip included a visit to you. So sorry for you and all of us!"

Landmark NJ bakery Mendoker’s suddenly closes its doors