LANSING, Mich. — The owners of a Lansing favorite are finishing a successful chapter in their lives.
After 50 years, Roma Bakery, Deli & Fine Foods on Cedar Street is closing its doors, leaving behind a legacy of sweets, family and tradition.
Filomena, 71, and Sostine Castriciano, 73, brought a taste of Italy to Lansing in 1969, but after so many years of hard work, they're ready to retire.
Most customers would agree that at the bakery, it's all about the sweets, meats, and cheese.
"It's authentic. Every time we've come in, we've spent a lot of money," chuckled Connie Holck, a resident of Grand Ledge.
"Mena" and "So" also put a smile on customer's faces.
"I like to cook. Talk to people. Big talker, like Papa," Mena said.
The couple decided to sell the building after looking for nearly four years and failing to find someone who could take over the business.
"Just cannot find many bakers anymore so my husband who works 12-15 hours a day. That's hard, you now. He's a hard worker. He's a little guy, but he moves, boy. It's too much for us now."
Roma Bakery started as a smaller shop in 1969 located a block away from their current location.
Owning a store was always a dream for the couple.
"When I come here from Italy, I was 12 years old and my family got here. I met my husband in Canada. He's a baker and we got married in 1968. We wanted a bakery here or Italian food."
"Thank you and also most important, my employees. All the employees,' So said.
"Whatever they do they put love into it," said Jovan Martinez, a resident of Lansing.
The Castriciano's are ending a chapter with a deep love for Lansing and their customers.
"I'm going to miss my customers a lot, because my customers are number one. I love them. They're good people and I've enjoyed them. I'm going to miss them," Mena said.
Mena said that she likes to work so there's a chance that they'll open a smaller Roma Bakery somewhere since she still owns the name. She said that it depends on how she feels and if she's healthy.
The couple said that they're going to stay in Lansing and will spend more time with their family, especially their grandchildren.
People can still visit Roma Bakery until their last day on Sept. 30.
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