FORTVILLE — Creating memories and making an impact were some of Katy Kitterman’s main goals when she decided to open her own business in her hometown of Fortville, and for the past 10 years, she had successfully done so with Sunrise Bakery. However, after a decade of donuts, Katy and her mother, Susan, took to Facebook to announce that their last day of business for the bakery was Jan. 7.
In response to the post sharing the news, the business on the corner of Broadway and Main Street had people lined up out the door and around the building during its last three days of business — people awake before the sun came up and watching the flurries of snow cover the streets while waiting for their last chance to grab a sweet treat and to see Katy, Susan and the others who made a stop in the shop such an enjoyable time.
“The whole 10-year experience has been a blessing to be able to be with my daughter and watch her grow her business and become such a confident business owner and just a customer service extreme, which I think has a lot to do with why the bakery is special,” Susan said. “Is because her customers — each and every one of them — meant everything to her and she gave her all to let them know they were cared about and cared for here.”
Susan said that back in September, which is usually the season for selling donuts, sale numbers weren’t where they should have been. Comparing the numbers, Susan said they were down approximately 65% in sales, and a contributing factor was the added challenge of getting to the bakery due to the current road construction.
Susan said whereas people stop by in the morning to grab a donut, typically before work, the construction made stopping by an extra challenge, and they started to notice the effects.
After talking with and working with the town of Fortville, Susan said they were helpful to get a temporary entrance put in by the business on Dec. 15, but by then it was too late.
The post that was shared on Jan. 3 stated “…We are proud to have been a part of the revitalization of Fortville! We will always cherish the memories we have made with each of you over the years and feel blessed to have had excellent employees and incredible customers. We hope you will continue to support small businesses in Fortville.”
Katy originally opened the bakery in 2013 after experiences of working for others and deciding she wanted to be her own boss. With this being her first time opening up her own business, Katy said she was able to lead others and allowed a place for people to not only work, but to learn and have fun while doing so “because what’s more fun than making donuts?”
By taking ownership of the bakery and providing ample opportunities for kids to grow on the job, Katy said she’s been able to see kids who have previously worked with her go on to do great things, such as become doctors — some getting their masters and even opening their own business.
Creating that positive impact and giving the youth a confident start in their jobs affects the community Katy said, and that was a highlight throughout the years. Katy said that the last three days of being open for business summed up the last 10 years and said they were the best days of her life.
“Everyone that’s ever been there came out and showed support and love,” Katy said. “And I couldn’t have been happier with the way it ended.”
Katy said her favorite part about the business were the people and community. Susan’s answer agreed.
“That’s why we did it,” said Susan, who initially didn’t plan on working after her retirement as a music educator, but did anyway and loved it.
After the announcement on Facebook, many community members left comments on the post — more than 400 — and thanked Sunrise Bakery for their time in Fortville and that they will be missed, expressing their gratitude.
A frequenter since the opening of the bakery was Brandon Grelle, who said he would stop in and visit the bakery during his jogs and walks with his family to grab something to snack on, such as a free donut hole for the kiddos.
Grelle said when his family first moved to Fortville 10 years ago, they wondered if Fortville was their place to live and after about a week later, they had their answer.
“We moved in and probably within a week and a half we came here (Sunrise Bakery), and we knew right away,” Grelle said. “Because of how they were, and if any of the businesses in small town Fortville were the same way — which they are — this is going to be a great home for me and the family.”
Grelle said that he’ll miss the camaraderie with the staff he got to experience over the years.
One customer had been traveling down from Noblesville two to three times a week for a Sunrise donut. Jeff Golightly started his weekly visits to Sunrise Bakery approximately five years ago, and said he is devastated that his trips will be coming to a halt.
“This is like family, they treat you like family,” Golightly said. “It’s a refuge, too. You can just get away from the real world.”
Golightly said that it’s a shame that Sunrise Bakery went out of business, and it’s imperative that people support small, local businesses.
As far as further plans, both Katy and Susan said they didn’t have any plans set or in motion at the moment, but the support and love shown from the community over the past few days had been unbelievable.
Susan said she was proud of Katy and what the business had accomplished over the last 10 years, with Katy being so genuine and committed.
And while Katy said that it had been tough for the bakery business, really since COVID, there just are “some things you can’t control.” Despite that, Katy did say that she wants her next move to continue to engage with people.
“The community has your back,” said Katy, sharing that the last days and moments together felt bittersweet and that she was honored to be a part of the small businesses in Fortville, which felt like a team.
Katy said that two of Sunrise’s workers, her manager and baker, are starting their own custom cookie, pastry and cake business here soon, called Gaby & Megs Pastries, and she looks forward to being able to support them and watch their business grow in the future.
A few days past the official closing, Katy said she found herself listening to “I’ll be Seeing You” by Ella Fitzgerald while driving past other small businesses and bakeries with happy people and families surrounding them.
“All I saw was our customers,” Katy said. “I think the memories are the most beautiful part, and everywhere I go I see them. And it’s made my life complete… it just covers the sadness of the ending.”
