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Samual Carrera a baker at Bakery Delite on River Road in in Plains puts Irish soda bread in the oven reently. Clark Van Orden | Times Leader

Rachel Martz a baker assistant helps Anita Kosnach manager of Bakery Delite in Plains put the finishing touches on several dozen cookies recently. Clark Van Orden | Times Leader

PLAINS — When it comes to small-town businesses going toe-to-toe with big money corporations, the results are not always pretty. In a time where customers can go to Walmart to buy a package of cookies for $1, it seems almost impossible for a non-corporate business to make it.

Try telling that to Bakery Delite.

The bakery has been in business since 1980 and has since become a staple in the community. Maybe this explains why they were voted “best bakery” for the 2015 Times Leader’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

“Everything they make is good and fresh,” said customer Mary Ann Tobin who traveled from Avoca for some fresh baked treats. “They are always on the ball when you call in an order. They always can make it as quick as they can. I have been coming here for at least 20 years.”

George Blom, co-owner and head cake decorator, said he believes Bakery Delite appeals to the customer because they are a from-scratch bakery. None of their items are frozen. Everything is made on site and made by hand. Customers said they appreciate the work that goes into their tasty purchases.

“I used to work here when I was a little kid,” said Richard Zenda of Forty Fort. “I’ve been basically coming here forever because they always have had a good product. My favorite is their bagels.”

Bakery Delite makes a deliciously wide spread of items from wedding cakes, cupcakes and danishes to bagels, cookies and breads.

“Our customers come back because of the variety of our selection,” Blom said. “We are always baking throughout the day, so there is always something fresh on the counter.”

The bakery’s most popular item seems to be the water boiled bagel, Blom said. There are not too many places which make their own bagels anymore, he said.

“We have very experienced workers,” he said. “A lot of us have been here for 35 years and others for 20 plus. I think that appeals to the customer and we keep coming up with new ideas and products, which keeps us going.”

Bakery Delite has changed with the times but has continued to offer variety and fresh products.

“People come her because of the choices,” said Sharon Wojcik, who has worked behind the counter for six years. “A lot of people come for bread daily or a couple times a week because they know it is fresh.”