Burke County family forced to close bakery after prices skyrocket

MORGANTON, NC (WBTV) – Many businesses in our area are struggling to keep their doors open right now. Small shops that survived the pandemic are facing new challenges with increased costs and sluggish supply chains.

A family bakery in Burke County must face the harsh reality of these rising prices and make difficult decisions.

“I try not to cry. But I love my customers and I love my family,” said the bakery owner.

Along a rural country road.

Just outside of Morganton is a place that many have never noticed, but it serves love at 350 degrees.

Francis Smith-Norville has been bringing passion to the plate for over 40 years. She recently opened her own business, Fran's Bakery, where people from all over Burke County know her for her delicious creations.

“I have some of the best clients in the world,” she said.

From birthdays to parties to family gatherings, her signature treats were always the center of attention. She battled through the pandemic and not only persevered, but was also able to bring smiles to the faces of first responders and hospital staff in the form of mask-themed cupcakes.

“So we started making COVID cupcakes. They were little blue cupcakes with a mask on them and two little eyeballs on the back,” Norville said, smiling.

But the path was not always easy. During the pandemic, she lost her husband Larry, to whom she was married for 50 years.

“He died of COVID in 2021,” she said in a lower voice.

But the family's hardship is not over yet. Fran's Bakery has to close in a few weeks and the clock is ticking.”

“It’s not what it used to be.”

Fran's daughter Betty Norville-Williams is very sad about the loss of her business, which means so much to her family.

“In this country we live in, we would support each other, but that is no longer the case,” Williams said.

The problem, says Fran, is that the cost of her ingredients has skyrocketed. Sugar, eggs… everything.

“They are at least three times as big as before,” Norville continued.

Since she did not want to pass the increase on to her customers, she could not stay afloat for long.

“She is my hero,” her daughter told us.

The shop will close in December, just after the Christmas rush. But even though the bakery will soon be closing, it is the legacy of family that you leave behind that defines who you are and how you are remembered.

“We're lucky… we're lucky that she loves us so much,” Williams said through tears.

But the bakery could have a second life. Fran tells us that when she retires, she will pass the business on to her granddaughter to carry on the tradition.

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