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Manolo’s Bakery reopens in Charlotte with a call for unity amid continuing unease

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Doughnuts, cakes and the Latin treats that Manolo’s Bakery has long been known for in Charlotte are back, although unease continues in the aftermath of U.S. Border Patrol raids.

On Monday, Manolo’s Bakery reopened. The staple of the Central Avenue community closed last week but became a home base for daily peaceful protests against U.S. Border Patrol actions in Charlotte that led to the arrest of more than 370 people.

Owner Manolo Betancur posted via Instagram: “We’re happy to share that Manolo’s Bakery is reopening with new hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.” “We’re excited to be back, and little by little we’ll extend our hours until we return to our regular schedule. Thank you for all your love and support we love you so much!,” the post continued.

A slightly low-angle shot of a bakery owner and customer embracing tightly in front of Manolo’s Bakery. The bakery’s facade features a sign reading “Manolo’s BAKERY,” a large colorful mural on the windows, and an American flag hanging above.
Manolo’s Bakery owner Manolo Betancur hugs a customer outside his shop Monday morning. Khadejeh Nikouyeh Charlotte Observer

On Thursday, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden said the U.S. Border Patrol was leaving, but that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would continue working in Charlotte. However, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said agents were not finished.

Drones have continued to hover in the area, although it’s unclear if those drones are connected to the federal agents’ actions.

Betancur said Monday morning that he saw men with their faces covered, surrounding a car using four other unmarked cars.

“We have been hearing a lot, and they are today here on Central Avenue,” he said. “It freaking sucks, man.”

An eye-level shot of the open glass entrance door of a bakery. The owner, in a navy hoodie, holds the door for a person walking past. The door is covered with multiple signs, prominently featuring a yellow note that reads, “We’re With You Manolo!”
Manolo’s Bakery owner Manolo Betancur welcomes customers back to his shop Monday morning after a temporary closure during U.S. Border Patrol actions in Charotte. Khadejeh Nikouyeh Charlotte Observer

Usually, Thanksgiving week is one of Betancur’s best sales weeks of the year, as customers purchase baked goods to prepare for the holiday.

“I’m counting on this week to make it up for last week, when I was closed. I need Charlotte and Central Avenue to support all our businesses — not just my bakery — every single business in my area,” he said.

Khadejeh Nikouyeh contributed reporting.

A low-angle shot captures a bakery owner in a yellow cap talking with a worker holding metal tongs inside Manolo’s Latin Bakery. A large American flag hangs prominently in the upper right, over a glass display case that reflects the bakery’s name.
Manolo’s Bakery owner Manolo Betancur talks with a customer inside his bakery on Monday. Khadejeh Nikouyeh Charlotte Observer

Location: 4405 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Menu

Cuisine: bread, cakes

Instagram: @manolosbakeryclt

An eye-level shot capturing a glass bakery display case filled with trays of various baked goods, including donuts, muffins, and cake slices. A bakery owner in a dark hoodie and baseball cap is seen leaning over the counter, arranging the items inside the case.
Manolo’s Bakery owner Manolo Betancur fills an order Monday, after reopening the Central Avenue shop that served as a home base for days of peaceful protest against U.S. Border Patrol raids. Khadejeh Nikouyeh Charlotte Observer

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Heidi Finley

The Charlotte Observer

Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits.
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