West Allis bakery reopens after hit-and-run destroyed storefront
West Allis bakery reopens after hit-and-run
A hit-and-run driver destroyed a West Allis bakery last year. Now, after the major setback, Elevate Coffee by Piece of Love is back.
WEST ALLIS, Wis. - A hit-and-run driver destroyed a West Allis bakery last year. Now, after the major setback, Elevate Coffee by Piece of Love is back.
What they're saying:
Second chances can be few and far between in life, but when they do come, the joy is sweet.
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"It was a very long year and three months," said owner Ana Gonzalez.
A hit-and-run driver smashed into Gonzalez's bakery near 68th and Lincoln. The community immediately stepped in.
Damage after hit-and-run driver crashed into Piece of Love
"My mind just became blank, and I didn't know what I was going to do," she said. "They were literally here the morning of the accident, making sure they were buying, giving tips."
The shop closed, but the surrounding support stayed. Nearly $350,000 later, the coffee shop and bakery held a soft reopening on Wednesday.
"They really had the tenacity, they stuck it out," said customer Ashley Glembin.
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"I feel that she not only sells coffee, but she gives you a little bit of our culture as well," customer Guiller Torrijos said. "I see it like someone who never gave up. I see it like someone who followed their dreams."
Gonzalez said the business' return would have been impossible if it weren't for one thing.
"Just seeing my community lift me up when I was down, it's a feeling that I can't explain," said Gonzalez.
Ana Gonzalez
Gonzalez said the name of her business – Piece of Love – comes from her love for her customers. And for her, there's nothing sweeter than love.
What's next:
Gonzalez said getting a second chance is just the beginning. On Sunday, she will have a grand reopening from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She also hopes to soon have a drive-thru location for her business.
The owner also told FOX6 News the driver who crashed into her business was not caught.
The Source: FOX6 News interviewed the owner and customers at Elevate Coffee by Piece of Love, and referenced prior coverage of the hit-and-run, for information in this report.