Riesterer’s celebrates their 85th year

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Just saying the words, “free cake” is enough to make anybody some new friends. When the person saying that, however, is the owner of West Hempstead’s famed Riesterer’s Bakery, they’re bound to get attention in droves.

And that’s exactly what happened last Wednesday after the bakery sent a public invitation out to anyone interested in joining in its official 85th anniversary celebration. Over 100 residents and local politicians came to participate, indulging in cake, brownies, live music and craft events for the children. There was even an appearance by Miss New York, who said she was trailing Town of Hempstead Councilman Bruce Blakeman in order to diversify the areas she visits.

The bakery, which opened its doors in 1931, is probably the oldest business in West Hempstead. “It’s a close tie with the Fairlawn Garage,” said hamlet historian Lesley McAvoy. “Also, there’s the Community Café just down the block, but that was created in 1933.”

Charles Riesterer, 79, whose dad started the business, said the family isn’t sure of the exact date, but wanted to create celebration that the residents could attend. “We tried to select a date that would be optimal for the community,” said Riesterer. “Today the kids are out of school, and it’s not too cold or hot out.”

Riestere said he still works two days a week at the bakery, cutting back on his hours since turning 65 and spending a lot of his free time on eastern Long Island. When asked which baked goods have been in demand through the decades, the answer was easy for Riesterer: jelly donuts. “A lot of people who have moved out – we’ll get emails from them asking, ‘Would you send us some jelly donuts down in Florida? And maybe some rye bread?’ They remember it as a kid and having it brings them back home again,” he added.