BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — After a structural collapse, there's nothing left of what used to be the Ellicott Street location of Two Wheels Bakery.
The business has plans to reopen nearby at 1006 Grant Street, but it's been struggling since the collapse. And that's something that Mike Caputi noticed, he owns Daily Planet Coffee on Hertel Avenue.
"I just can't imagine. I couldn't imagine if this place came down. And you lose a lot, and it takes so much work to get a business started," said Caputi. "You put a lot of time and effort into it; a lot of sweat, equity, a lot of love.">
Putting himself in other people's shoes he realized he needed to help, so he's having a fundraiser for Two Wheels Bakery - his competition.
The two business owners didn't know each other before, but Caputi and his staff reached out with the idea.
"It makes me feel like I have a greater purpose, to be a part of our community and to reach out to others to make good connections to spread positivity and love to other people. It's more than just a coffee shop to me," said Kayla Fiel, who works at Daily Planet Coffee.
Caputi said their slogan 'Do something nice for the planet daily' doesn't mean doing things just for the environment.
"I think that starts at home, with your neighbors. It's not just environmentalism, it's also reaching out to the community," he said.
The pop-up fundraiser will include gluten-free baked goods from Two Wheels Bakery, free samples, raffles and live music. It's all happening at Daily Planet Coffee Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
