Customers line up for final loaves from Golden Grain after 92 years operating in Sudbury

The final day for a downtown Sudbury bakery After more than 90 years in operation, Golden Grain Bakery a staple in downtown Sudbury has baked its final batch of goods.

Sunday marked the final day for a long-time fixture in Sudbury’s downtown community.

After more than 90 years in operation, Golden Grain Bakery baked its final batches of goodies.

Customers started lining up at 7 a.m. — one hour before the business was due to open.

Customers, like Hussein Qarquoz, wanted to get some of the last freshly baked products before the doors closed for good.

Qarquoz told CTV News the family behind Golden Grain took a chance on him almost eight years ago.

“Golden Grain bakery — first job for me in Canada,” he said.

“When I was here one month this family gave me a job. It was very hard when I closed my bakery in Syria and started here.”

Qarquoz said it is a very nice family.

“I started from Golden Grain,” he said.

“I love David, I love John, I love his dad and mom.”

The bakery is closing after the City of Greater Sudbury negotiated to purchase several properties within a two-block radius for future development.

However, that was definitely not the focus on the final day at Golden Grain.

The owners of the three-generation family-owned business said they felt overwhelmed by the response from customers.

“It’s just been great; every day they come in or every weekend they’re always here on Sundays,” said co-owner John Andlar.

“If it wasn’t for our customers we wouldn’t be here. The loyalty is incredible.”

“I’m going to miss the customers,” said the other co-owner, his brother David Andlar.

“I’ve been seeing some of these customers for all my life. They know me by name. I know them by name.”

David said customers have definitely supported the business over the years.

“They always come in, we joke around, they buy our product,” he said.

John plans on retiring, while David told CTV News he may consider relocating the business elsewhere in the city – but would like to take a couple of months off before making that decision.