Classic Bakery at Winston Hills Mall told to leave in February

Thousands of loyal customers are rallying to keep their beloved bakery open since the owners found out they had a month to get out in favour of a franchise.

A loyal community is fighting to keep the bakery at Winston Hills Mall from closure next month after the distraught owners were told their lease would not be renewed.

Classic Bakery stalwarts Van and Tina Huynh – who have run the bakery at the mall for 28 years – received a letter from centre management on Friday notifying them to vacate the shop by February 9.

Mrs Huynh said they always paid their rent on time or in advance but the management centre wanted to replace it with a Baker’s Delight franchise.

A Baker’s Delight spokesman confirmed it would return to the mall this year but could not confirm an opening date.

Ms Huynh welcomed the competition of another bakery if Classic could remain but said Baker’s Delight failed when it operated a decade ago.

Classic Bakery at Winston Hills Mall.

“We’ve been doing this here very long,’’ she said.

“We service the community with no drama.

“I’m crying every minute. I don’t know how to face this. This is not right.’’

The bakery is about to close.

The news has shattered the pair, who loves the shop and community so much they named their son Winston when he was born 27 years ago.

The qualified accountant swapped a corporate job to continue the family tradition of making bread and serving the suburb, including during the pandemic.

Shoppers have sprung into action and are fighting to keep the bakery open with a petition that has amassed 2000 signatures.

Winston Hills Mall could lose one of its favourite businesses.

“There’s three different retirement villages in Winston Hills and a lot of people come here because it’s fresh and cheap,’’ Toongabbie resident Marea Child said.

“These people work their heart out all these years and centre management makes this decision.

“I can’t understand centre management doing this. It’s not as if there’s no Baker’s Delight. There’s Baker’s Delight at Kings Langley and Baulkham Hills.

“We’re just trying everything to keep this place up and running because it’s so popular.’’

This is not the first time Classic Bakery has fought to stay open.

The bakery successfully renewed its lease in December 2008 after it appealed for public support on Facebook with a “Help Save Classic Bakery’’ page and more than 560 members joined up.

Winston Hills Mall centre management has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Classic Bakery at Winston Hills Mall told to leave in February