They began lining up on South Main Street Wednesday, during the early-morning chill.
They came with a sweet tooth and sweet memories of Bread and Chocolate. Others had never tried the baked goods there, but they had read the Facebook post Monday, about Bread and Chocolate co-owner Linda Andlinger being admitted to Concord Hospital.
“Linda suffered a medical emergency which has placed her in the ICU in critical condition,” wrote Krystina Hill, the bakery manager.
Linda’s inner circle declined to reveal her illness or injury, but it was sudden and serious. The post said the business would have to close temporarily, for at least a week. All those goodies on display – and we’ll get to some favorites later – would grow stale.
Now back to that long line. The one that looked as though Springsteen had booked a show here. That was the line formed to make sure the trays of pastries and tarts and cakes would not go to waste during this serious family matter. Any sales would help.
It turned out to be the most delicious favor of all time.
“I’m going to support them anyway I can,” said Nancy Hacking of Canterbury. “Let them know how much they mean to the community.”
Anne Tyrol of Penacook stood in line with her two children. Asked why he had come, Gavin, 10, knew one of the owners was sick and his job was “to buy all the products.”
Franz and Linda Andlinger opened Bread and Chocolate 16 years ago. They bounced around the city, but never left the downtown area. Apparently, Franz and Linda did things right. The line, stretching past the brick facades of at least six businesses, showed the faces of hundreds of loyal, caring customers. An online fundraiser for the Andlingers was filling with donations from those who couldn’t stop by the shop to eat the inventory.
At the front of the line, shortly before the 8 a.m. opening, an employee unlocked the door and turned her head to the right, revealing a line that stretched as far as the eye could see.
She wondered if they had enough goods to go around. Customers, entering one at a time, would have a long wait.
David Shore didn’t mind.
“I lived here my whole life, and I’ve been going there for about that long,” said Shore, who’s 30. “My parents used to bring me here, and now I’m grown and now I bring my kids here. It’s just part of Concord.”
His choice: Lemon poppy-seed muffin.
Claire Cortese, 27, began visiting Bread and Chocolate shortly after it opened. The Andlingers make her birthday cake each year.
“My mom’s got a whole list of stuff that I’m supposed to bring to her,” Cortese said.
She was with her sister-in law, Kaylee Cortese, a first-time customer, who said she’d follow Claire’s lead when ordering: Eclaire and chocolate cake.
Audrey Hanowitz was in town from Florida, visiting her son. She said she’s been a fan of the bakery since “forever. One of my favorite places.”
She loves the bread and the chocolate.
Roy Devine of Concord was part of a small group that lived in the area yet had never been to Bread and Chocolate. He knew this was about more than chocolate, though.
“I saw it on Facebook,” Devine said. “I want to help out the neighborhood, help out the community. That’s what it’s all about.”
He had no favorite going in, of course, but I’m sure he’s got one now.
As for Nancy Hacking of Canterbury, she once frequented Bread and Chocolate, until she learned that her favorite dessert contained a pound of butter. But she’s looking forward to seeing an old friend nonetheless, although the two have grown apart.
“The fruit tart,” Hacking said. “The best I’ve ever had. But I’m not buying it.
“I’m just ogling it.”