JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This story was originally published by the Florida Times-Union.
Cherished by its customers, a family-owned, drive-thru bakery and sandwich shop is closing its service window permanently this Saturday.
Liberty Bakery at 6661 Bowden Road near Parental Home Road has been a Southside neighborhood mainstay for nine years.
Bob and Carol Kernan along with their daughters, Katie and Grace, have been serving up freshly baked treats such as cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, scones and muffins along with hand-crafted sandwiches and specialties including its grits bowl from a 500-square-foot former Skinner Dairy store that the couple renovated.
The couple announced their retirement in an emotional message posted on the bakery's Facebook page. They couldn't be reached immediately for comment.
"After 9 years of having the privilege of serving you, Bob and I have prayerfully decided to end our time at Liberty Bakery at the close of business on Saturday, Sept. 3," Carol Kernan wrote.
'Ran out of time and money': St. Johns Town Center gourmet bakery Sweet by Holly closes after 11 years
Iconic Italian restaurant says goodbye: After more than 35 years, Sorrento Italian Restaurant plans to close on Jacksonville's Southside
The couple thanked the bakery's customers for their "love, kindness and generosity of spirit " shown to the family over the years.
"Thank you for letting us into your lives, all while we brown-bagged your breakfasts, lunches, and baked goods. The times when you’re gracious, kind, caring spirits were with us at our windows, were the sweetest part of our time at Liberty Bakery," Carol Kernan posted.
Marina Zigovsky and other longtime customers wished the family well — saying they will be greatly missed.
Olio, Wing-It Jax and Ocean 60:In 2022, some longtime favorite Jacksonville restaurants have closed. Here's a list.
"My eyes are filled with tears but my heart is filled with joy for all of you.[To] say you will be missed is an understatement. God truly blessed the neighborhood with y’all. God has great plans for y’all," Zigovsky posted in response to the Liberty Bakery announcement.
Zigovsky later told the Times-Union that she's been going to Liberty Bakery since it opened.
"I love the grit bowls, cheesecake and her croissants. The best part is them," Zigovsky said of the Kernans, who she added, always "see the good in people."
The Kernans concluded their post by saying they don't know what the future holds for "this little building and this little bakery we've built," which is for sale.
"But we do know that the Lord will bless its closing in the same way that He so powerfully blessed its opening," Carol Kernan posted.
Times-Union writer Dan Scanlan contributed to this report.