Empty shelves at La Fiesta bakery, following outpouring of community support

Following ABC-7’s coverage of a Las Cruces bakery negatively affected by construction, the owners say they are overwhelmed at the outpouring of community support.

“It’s been crazy,” said Gina Ortega, who runs La Fiesta Bakery with her husband, Ray. “I mean, there’s nothing left!

On Tuesday, Ray predicted they would have to close soon because he said business had been steadily declining since the state embarked on a $22.9 million construction project on Valley Drive.

“I might not be here another week,” Ray told ABC-7 on Tuesday.

However, later that day, he said an anonymous woman came in and bought all of their pastries – paying $500 for $368 worth of food. On Wednesday, generous community members came in and bought most of the store by noon!

“What we saw today and yesterday – it’s ‘WOW,’ said Gina Ortega.

“I’m here today because I saw the story on channel 7 news,” said Sherry Diaz, who bought five dozen biscochos on Wednesday. “This is a local business that’s important here. These people work hard and they turn out the best treats.”

The state is working on placing an “impact attenuator” at the end of the barrier wall that would allow access into the businesses from Valley Drive, so La Fiesta Bakery is not in the clear yet.

“We hadn’t seen (this business) for four or five weeks,” Gina Ortega said.

Click here to find out how to access the bakery during the construction.