A decades-old Italian pastry shop in Bridgeport has apparently closed its doors.

Posted on the front door of Luigi's Italian Pastry on Main Street is a sign that reads  "Closed, Happy New Year." The inside of the store appears to have been cleared out and their telephone lines are busy.

There is no mention of the apparent closure on Luigi's website.

An engaged couple drove up to the storefront Thursday hoping to order their wedding cake and were disappointed to learn about the closure. 

"We have a wedding coming up in August," says Jordan Smith. "So a bunch of places we've gone to so far actually recommended Luigi's as like one of the best cakes."

Owner John DiMarco opened the bakery in 1968 and developed a cult following. Luigi's made a name for itself, with celebrity visits and even a write-up in The New York Times.

 

Longtime customers were also surprised.

"It's kind of shocking. John has been a friend for -- well, he did my wedding cake 45 years ago and did an amazing job," says Al Barbarotta. "I don't think you can talk about Bridgeport without talking about Luigi's."

DiMarco told News 12 last year that his business makes an average of 26,000 cannolis a week. He said he didn't plan on calling it quits any time soon.

News 12's emails to Luigi's requesting information have not been returned.