MINNEAPOLIS — People can't seem to get enough of Aki's Bread Haus in Northeast Minneapolis.
"Everything I've tried is absolutely amazing," said Kristen Popek.
Customers say the German-style baking is good for the stomach and the soul.
"I'm gonna get a bunch of pretzels and make everybody happy today," said Popek.
A lot of times, things that make us happy can be hard to find. So, when we find them, it's hard to let go.
"These kinds of smaller shops, it's sad to see them go," said Jürgen Konczak.
Last week, owner Aki Berndt announced the popular shop will temporarily close on December 25th.
He says customers aren't hard to find.
"On Saturdays, we have a line halfway around the block for three hours," said Berndt.
But since the pandemic started, workers have been hard to find.
"I had to let people go who had been here for a long time. Five years plus," said Berndt. "And since then, it's like a come and go. It's like, I can't keep anybody here for longer than six or eight months."
Keeping people is important, especially in this profession.
"I work at least 60 hours a week. It's physical. It's a lot of work. It hits the body pretty good. So, I can't do that anymore," said Berndt.
Berndt says it's been hard to find workers who are committed.
"I need people that are willing to start at three o 'clock in the morning," said Berndt. "I love what I'm doing. I love good food."
Good food that customers will miss dearly.
"I don't know what we'll do bread-wise. No idea," said Silke Moeller.
Long-time employee Jim Durose says he loves working here and thinks others would too.
"Support the little guy," he said.
Good workers may be hard to find, but Berndt says he's willing to search until he finds them.
"Don't worry, we will be back, somehow," said Berndt.
Berndt says after they close, they'll keep current staff and do only wholesale for a while; and then see if they can find people willing to work.
Aki's BreadHaus is open Wednesdays and Saturdays.
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