By R. Heath Lachman and Jacqueline Lachman

Dec. 7, 2016:  Editor's Note:  Heath and Jacqueline Lachman, owners of Topps Bakery, in the heart of the Bronxville business district and an icon among stores highly patronized by Bronxville shoppers, have sold their store. Below is a letter from them to the community. 

Dear Bronxville Residents,

It is with mixed emotions that we write this correspondence to let you all know that we have sold Topps Bakery. From packing boxes at 4:00 am on Christmas Eve and building parade floats in the middle of the night to triple-checking the spelling of a name on a first birthday cake and making sure the sidewalks were shoveled on our block, we truly tried to give you our all.   

We wanted to take a moment to show appreciation to all of the people who were part of our lives for the last decade. First, to our employees who arrived every day without fail, we're sure many people appreciated knowing their crumb buns would be there. To the many young women whom we employed over the years, we sincerely hope you took with you life lessons that you will carry throughout your careers. 

To John Turiano and Westchester magazine, we are humbled by your unending attention. In fact, to all of the reporters who covered us, we know you didn't have to and we never took it for granted. To Ms. Baron, Louise, Mrs. McManus, Mr. Kane, the parishioners of St. Joe's, and the thousands of other regular customers, we thank you and will miss you. 

To our fellow shop owners, many of whom we call friends, like Nick Vincent, John Cola, Tommy, Steve Palm, the Tryforos family, and more, know that we understand your plight and have deep respect for your work.

To our wholesale clients who needed what they needed when they needed it, we hope we met your expectations, even if we blew through a few stoplights. To our vendors and suppliers, particularly Janice at Lucille's Own Make Candies and Restaurant Depot, we couldn't have done any of it without you. 

To our children, we intended for you to be able to see how things were made and what it was like to run a business. That meant many good times and bad for you. Try to look back on this time and learn from the wins and the losses.

To our parents, for the constant help and love, particularly Barbara, who found every beautiful ribbon and decoration the store ever had, and Bob, who stepped in when we had to step out, plus fixed so many broken things. 

To those we've disappointed, it was never for lack of attempting to do it correctly. 

And, finally, to Mayor Marvin, who always knew just the right thing to say and do. We are handing this over to new owners, whom we hope you will continue to support. 

We are sure they will both carry on traditions and impress you in new ways. 

Sincerely,

R. Heath Lachman and Jacqueline Lachman 
December 2, 2016

Editor’s Note:  The new owner of Topps Bakery is the Bronxville Wines & Spirits store next door to the bakery. 

Pictured here:  The façade and the interior of Topps Bakery.

Photo by N. Bower