Bonnie Blue changes hands today

Chris and Barb Stainke liked the Bonnie Blue’s long johns and sticky buns so much–they bought the bakery.
But the young couple wants to assure their customers that while ownership has changed, the long johns and sticky buns will not.
“Everyone likes the long johns, we’ve got to keep those,” he said wryly.
For now, the bakers and the other employees also will remain the same. And former owners Louis and Ray Cousineau will stay on a little longer as consultants.
The Cousineaus had the bakery on the market for a while but the Stainkes, who used to manage VideoStop just across Scott Street, only found out about it in July. They think it’s a good deal.
“A few months ago, we looked at the books and the store was still doing well,” noted Chris Stainke, adding the negotiations took about two months to complete.
“I think we can increase our lunch crowd. Right now we have a few people sitting down but not many,” he remarked.
The six-figure deal, which was finalized today, also includes the building, which has three apartments above the bakery, the lottery outlet, and the button factory (a small business that makes pin-backed buttons).
The Stainkes also are adding a CD resurfacing business to the basement, where they will repair damaged CDs, CD-Roms, Play Station games, and DVDs.
“You can get your CD resurfaced and have a doughnut,” Stainke claimed, noting the CD business probably will open later this month.
The couple envisions a restaurant with more seating room, a fresh decor, and all the heavy machinery being moved to one side. But first, some minor changes have to be made to bring the building up to code.
For the Ray Cousineau and his wife, Helen, the sale finally will allow them to spend more time with their five grandchildren at their lake property.
“It’s hard to believe it’s actually going to happen,” she exclaimed.