Holtermann’s Bakery Faces Unwarranted Attack: A Call for Justice and Support
Anthony Hernandez
Mission Specialist I Volunteer at Scobee Education Center (NASA-STEM)
For over 150 years, Holtermann’s Bakery has been a cherished institution in Staten Island, New York. Founded in 1878 by Claus Holtermann, the bakery has been a family-owned cornerstone of the community, beloved for its mouthwatering donuts, rolls, cakes, and its signature cupcakes. The Holtermann family’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them a loyal following, not just in New York, but across the United States.
I had the pleasure of visiting Holtermann’s Bakery in July 2006, and I’ll never forget the experience. The bakery’s offerings—especially their iconic sponge cupcakes topped with whipped cream and a cherry—are nothing short of legendary. It's no exaggeration to say that Holtermann’s is one of the finest bakeries in the country. For years, this small business has stood as a testament to hard work, tradition, and community spirit. In fact, Holtermann’s even maintains a Facebook page where they engage with their loyal customers, who consistently rave about the quality of their products.
However, this legacy is now under attack, and the family needs the support of the community more than ever.
The Controversy: Slander on National TV
In a shocking and unfounded public statement, Whoopi Goldberg, one of the hosts of The View, recently targeted Holtermann’s Bakery during a live broadcast. Although Goldberg did not explicitly name the bakery, her description of a Staten Island bakery refusing to fulfill her order—allegedly due to political differences—was unmistakable. She insinuated that the bakery’s refusal to take her order was based on political disagreements, not the legitimate operational issues the bakery was facing.
To add insult to injury, Goldberg's comments were followed by an awkward on-air moment where another View panelist, after tasting one of Holtermann’s famous cupcakes, spat it out on national television. The comment, paired with this dramatic display, painted Holtermann’s Bakery in a completely false and damaging light.
What Goldberg and her colleagues failed to mention is the real reason the bakery was unable to fulfill her order: the bakery’s boiler had broken down, a critical piece of equipment that was necessary to continue operations. The Holtermann family had no choice but to shut down temporarily while a new boiler was installed. This is a situation any small business owner can understand—unexpected setbacks that are simply part of the process.
Yet, instead of acknowledging the bakery’s genuine plight, Goldberg chose to spread misinformation, suggesting that the refusal was rooted in personal or political bias. This is not just unfair to Holtermann’s Bakery; it’s an outright attack on a business that has spent over a century cultivating trust with its customers.
The Fallout: Community Support and Legal Action
Goldberg’s comments sparked outrage, but they also ignited an overwhelming show of support for Holtermann’s Bakery from the Staten Island community and beyond. Local elected officials, including Democratic leaders from both the state and national levels, rallied behind the bakery, condemning Goldberg's defamatory remarks. Jill Holtermann, a member of the family, was visibly moved by the outpouring of support, wishing her father could have witnessed the strength of the community’s defense.
Yet the damage to the bakery’s reputation could have far-reaching consequences. As a high-profile public figure with a net worth of $60 million, Goldberg’s comments could potentially harm the bakery’s business, costing them customers and long-term viability. If allowed to stand unchallenged, this type of reckless slander could set a dangerous precedent for any small business that finds itself in the crosshairs of a media personality’s personal agenda.
In response, it is time for Holtermann’s Bakery to consider legal action. While a public apology from Goldberg would be a first step, a more substantive remedy is needed. The Holtermann family is now contemplating a lawsuit for $30 million against Goldberg, The View producers, ABC, and the parent company that owns the network. This legal action would seek to hold Goldberg and the show accountable for the harm caused to the bakery’s reputation and business operations.
The family has every right to protect their legacy, and this lawsuit could serve as a much-needed warning to those who think they can damage a small business’s reputation without consequence.
The Road Ahead: Strength, Resilience, and Hope for the Future
Holtermann’s Bakery has been a beloved part of the Staten Island community for over 150 years. It has weathered economic storms, changing markets, and evolving consumer tastes—and it has done so with grace and dedication. The Holtermann family has always focused on what matters most: providing the best possible products to their customers.
Now, as they face an unjust attack, it’s more important than ever for us to stand with them. The bakery's legacy is not just about delicious baked goods; it’s about family, tradition, and community. This is an opportunity for us to show that, in the face of adversity, we will not allow a business like Holtermann’s to be torn down by baseless accusations.
As the Holtermann family works to rebuild and recover from this public relations nightmare, they also have an eye toward the future. With your support, they can continue their journey and perhaps even expand beyond Staten Island. I hope they look to new markets, to include Texas—a state known for its business-friendly environment and tax incentives—the future is bright. With a little help from the community, Holtermann’s Bakery can not only survive but thrive.
The Holtermann family has always been committed to making the best products for their customers. Now, it’s our turn to show our commitment to them. Together, we can ensure that their legacy continues to rise—just like their signature cupcakes.
Let’s stand together to support Holtermann’s Bakery. Your voice matters, your patronage matters, and your support makes all the difference.