7 days a week, La Nortena gives back

La Nortena Bakery in Wasco is like no other bakery around.

Along with fresh baked goods, the bakery also provides a variety of items to its customers such as aspirin, toilet paper, cold beverages, hot coffee, homemade tortillas (both corn and flour), El Guapo spices, household items and, of course, freshly prepared desserts.

Upon entering the bakery, customers are immediately greeted with a smile and asked if you would like a cup of coffee. There is a small table with barstools nestled in the back of the bakery for customers wanting to take advantage of the offer.

Owners Enrique Gonzalez and his wife Candelaria Ceda have owned La Nortena Bakery for the past five years. Prior to that, Gonzalez worked in Bakersfield for a large company.

He opens the bakery at 4 a.m. every morning so he can serve the local farmworkers as they leave for work. "I want to give back to my community, and I do that by being open for them every day."

"Our most popular items are Mexican pastries and homemade tortillas," Gonzalez said. "You can get anything you need here."

In addition, La Nortena Bakery is open from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. "Yes, I'm open seven days a week," he said.

Gonzalez and his wife purchased the business from the previous owners, Julia and Juan Corona, who owned the bakery for 30 years. "It was also a family business."

"I specialize in having Mexican products, so my customers are familiar with the brands," Gonzalez said.

Prior to moving to Wasco, Gonzalez and his wife lived in San Jose. He knew he wanted to own his own business, and while he was looking, the bakery became available, so he purchased it.

"I like to be available for my customers all week, but I do try to take some time off on Mondays," Gonzalez added.

"I am always working," Gonzalez laughed.