Posted by john, a resident of Dublin, on Sep 30, 2011 at 12:12 pm

I often did shop and dine in downtown Pleasanton, but I stopped because of the people standing in Tully Plaza with large signs shouting and preaching at everyone that they are all going to hell unless they believe in God. They are creating a very unwelcoming atmosphere with all the screaming and shouting. Can't my family enjoy our dinner in peace? Because of this, I'm taking my money elsewhere. No more downtown Pleasanton for my family.

Posted by Mike, a resident of the Highland Oaks neighborhood, on Sep 30, 2011 at 5:00 pm

This write-up is a challenging read.

I'm left wondering if the bakery is relocating or closing for good.

I read that the bakery "has outgrown it's floorspace" and that "We can't meet the growing wholesale business we have and need to move on," which suggests the bakery is relocating.

Then I read that the bakery is "considering tenant relocation offers from Dublin and Livermore," which suggests the bakery is relocating.

Then I read "Business slumped . . . with the recession starting in 2008, but contracts to supply . . . local restaurants and caterers have helped grow the business," suggesting trouble followed by nuanced improvement, "nuanced" meaning that "helped grow" doesn't seem to imply recovery, which suggests the bakery is closing.

Then I read "Once we have signed on to a larger place . . .," which suggests the bakery is relocating.

However, this is followed by, "we hope to woo these accounts back," implying that the above-mentioned contracts were subsequently lost, which suggests the bakery is closing.

Then I read, "If I could knock down a few walls, we could stay here and increase the size of our kitchen," which suggests the bakery is relocating.

Then I read, "the crew will use the month to consider other options," which implies that there is no plan beyond 5:00PM and suggests the bakery is closing.

Then I read about Fitzsimons that "She's in big demand and will have no trouble moving on when she chooses," rather than, say, "Although she's in big demand, she will continue to be a part of the Bibiane family in its new location." This suggests the bakery is closing.

Perhaps the headline should read,

"Bakery closing for now but hopes to reopen in larger location."

Mike

Posted by Bob, a resident of the Ironwood neighborhood, on Sep 30, 2011 at 7:15 pm

Mike, spot on with your comments. Bibiane, I moved here from the East Coast in January and you have hands down, the best pastries I have ever had. Your Cuban sandwich and Ham and Cheese Croissant will leave a void in my stomach.

If you don't come back, then we need to know where Amy goes to showcase her talents!

Posted by Steve, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2011 at 9:02 pm

Agreed...this story makes no sense at all. If you're doing well, you don't shut down with time remaining on your lease. Would be nice if someone could post an accurate version of what's going on with this business.

Posted by anonymous, a resident of San Ramon, on Oct 1, 2011 at 10:31 pm

You should check your facts before you write an article. Ms. Fitzsimons has not worked at Bibiane Bakery since April.

Posted by Mike, a resident of the Highland Oaks neighborhood, on Oct 1, 2011 at 11:33 pm

Steve makes a very good point; and if anonymous is correct, then the story is indeed misleading.

I didn't want to speculate earlier; but after reading this information and seeing a similar style in the Murphy's Paw story, I'm wondering if PW is diversifying by adding public relations to its news-gathering function.

Mike

Posted by Liz, a resident of the Pleasanton Heights neighborhood, on Sep 24, 2012 at 4:14 pm

The woman who ran that shop was absolutely horrible with people. I'm pleased to see her shop close.