Unity Amish Market Reopens 9 Months After Fire

Good news for one of the country’s most widely-covered Amish stores, in the little Amish community at Unity, Maine. Back in January, the Amish Community Market & Bakery burned down in a rapidly-moving fire which likely started in a stove or chimney.

Reflecting its popularity, in the aftermath of the fire owner Caleb Stoll received many donations and offers to help from non-Amish people who love the store. And now the popular store, famous for its weekly “donut day”, has at least partially reopened:

UNITY — The Amish Community Market and Bakery has reopened its doors just nine months after a fire destroyed the landmark business.

An employee at the store confirmed that it reopened Wednesday. A post on the market’s Facebook page said the bakery is not fully open so there will be limited baked goods available.

“Please come and visit, see the new store, grab some stuff and Rejoice with us on the reopening of our market,” the post said. “Thank you all for your kind thoughts, prayers and patience.”

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Here’s the announcement on their Facebook page heralding yesterday’s re-opening:

REOPENING
SEPTEMBER 21
The Community Market will reopen on Wednesday, September 21st at 8am. The bakery is not quite done yet, so no donuts until next week. Cookies and some other baked goods should be available, but no fried products.

Please come and visit, see the new store, grab some stuff and Rejoice with us on the reopening of our market. Thank you all for your kind thoughts, prayers and patience. See you tomorrow!

One thing – I had been wondering about the extended period of time it took to reopen. Especially given that when it comes to rebuilding, the Amish are known to be quick. I have heard from a reader-in-the-know that the delay was likely due to permit issues and possibly some supply chain issues. So while it looks like people will have to wait a bit longer for the famous donuts, all can cheer that the place is back on its proverbial feet.

Market owner Caleb Stoll is the son of the community’s founding bishop Elmo Stoll. The community is considered atypical for several reasons, which I explained here. Those include having a meetinghouse as well as translators for outsiders to be able to understand church sermons.