By Taylor J. Hale
Special to the Gazette

PLOVER — Big Apple Bagels in Plover is closing its doors on Dec. 23.

The establishment has been a hotspot for locals since 2002 and has become a staple of many weekend ventures. It has been for sale since the start of 2018, and Owner Carie Bembenek regards it as a bittersweet moment.

“It is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye,” Bembenek said in her letter to the community. “I have accepted a position in the paper industry in Wausau. This is a good opportunity for me to be able to spend more time with my family and start my next chapter.”

Bembenek wanted a role that would allow her more free time with her loved ones, a very relatable sentiment. The doors may be closing at the end of December, but they may reopen, yet.

“My contract with Big Apple Bagel corporate expires, and I will be closing on Dec. 23, 2018. It [the shop] is still for sale. I have a couple different parties working with corporate. So someone may still purchase it. If sold, they would reopen sometime after the new year.”

Store Manager Lee Ilagan feels that the area will miss the fresh bagels and charming environment.

“I think people are sad to see us close,” he said. “For a lot of them, it was a large part of their routine to come here on the weekends and stuff.”

The establishment is also having a “farewell toast” event on Dec. 23, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. All of the community is welcome to join. Current and former employees, along with bagel lovers of all ages will meet in reverence for their beloved breakfast eatery, as they close the doors, possibly, for the last time.