Iconic Norwich Bakery, Grinder Shop Closed For Nearly A Year Finally Reopens

NORWICH, CT — D'Elia's Bakery & Grinder Shop, a staple in Norwich for nearly a century, triumphantly reopened this week after temporarily closing last summer.

The bakery announced its reopening Monday on Facebook, letting customers in the area know they could "come on down" and they were "finally open" again at 272 Franklin Street.

D'Elia's initially closed on June 12, 2023 after owner Anthony Heft tore his achilles tendon. The owners said in a Facebook post at that time the closure would last "for a little while."

Later that day, Heft informed customers he needed surgery and the closure was indefinite for the time being.

"Thanks everyone for all the kind words," Heft wrote on Facebook. "I had an appointment today with the doctors and found out I have a completely torn achilles tendon. Looks like I need surgery, unfortunately. We’re not sure when I will be back but we will keep everybody updated."

Later that month, the owners said Heft's surgery had gone well and thanked their loyal customers for their kind words and support.

"It will be a while for a full recovery," the owners said on Facebook, "but we look forward to seeing you all again at the shop."

The D'Elia's team provided sporadic updates throughout the remainder of 2023, promising hungry fans they would reopen as soon as the time was right.

In late March, it seemed like customers' patience had finally paid off as the owners teased the bakery would reopen "in the next couple [of] weeks," however the business remained closed a month later.

On April 30, the owners offered another update and noted they had initially planned to open up for business that week.

"This has been a challenge all around," the owners said on Facebook, "but then this week the brand new credit card machine went down and now this morning the compressor on our largest and most important cooler broke. We are trying to make this happen ASAP. Please understand that it's been a challenge and just as frustrating for us. The part is coming on [May 2 or 3] so fingers crossed all is up and running."

The New London Day reports customers eagerly returned to the 95-year-old downtown landmark Monday morning, leading to a line of patrons that stretched out the door and down Franklin Street.

According to The Day, D'Elia's is famous for its wide selection of customer-favorite sandwiches, however the store's signature items are the freshly baked breads they are served on. The four-generation family business first opened in Norwich in 1929 and is currently run by Heft and his wife, Wendy.