News 12 story helps save iconic Keansburg bakery

A story that aired on News 12 New Jersey this summer helped save a bakery that has operated in Monmouth County for 85 years.
News 12 first reported on the Dixie Lee Bakery in Keansburg and its uncertain future. Sal Giovine, owner at the time, said that he had gotten too old to continue running the business and was looking to retire.
Mark Onulak, 62, was working at another bakery at the time and saw the story on News 12. After viewing the story, Onulak says that he contacted Giovine about coming to the Dixie Lee to help out.
“Here I am today, working here 18 hours a day just from watching you on the news,” Onulak says.
Onulak says that he came to buy the bakery after another potential sale fell through. He says that although he continues to sell some of the original bakery items, he has also brought in some of his own ideas and fresh recipes.
“We added onion rye bread, bittersweet cake, cakes for you to come in and try,” he says.
Onulak and his partner “Poogie” run the bakery together. They have kept most of the staff, including Giovine’s daughter who works part-time behind the counter.