South Jersey Bakery Battles Backlash For Governor's Visit

DEPTFORD, NJ — Two Sweet Boutique in Gloucester County has been the subject of backlash online after a visit from Governor Mikie Sherrill on Feb. 27 to recognize its success as a small business.

Critics of Sherrill's administration and advocates against mixing business with any political sides flocked to social media and filled the phone lines with negative messages in the days following the appearance.

"Things to do list: Stay away from Two Sweet Boutique," one commenter on Facebook wrote, followed by a thumbs up emoji.

"This message is in reference to the voicemails, and messages, and 1-star reviews we woke up to this morning," Two Sweet management said in a social media post on Feb. 28.

The response has since garnered more than 3,300 reactions and 540 comments online.

"For us, this had NOTHING to do with politics. It was about representing the hardworking small business community and the real families behind these shops," Two Sweet said.

The bakery had been invited by Deptford Township to speak with Sherrill on ways to grow locally-owned businesses.

"Loved meeting Alex and Jeanne, the owners of Two Sweet Boutique in Deptford," Sherrill wrote on social media. "We're moving full speed ahead on our "Saving Yout Time & Money" agenda so that family-owned businesses...can thrive in the Garden State."

Supporters of the Gloucester County business and the overall freedom to enjoy a sweet treat beyond party lines rose up to back the bakery.

"Who cares what party, if letting the Governor see your business and trying to help you prosper, I am all for it," Shannon Suchocki Franke added on Facebook.

Owners at the bakery returned the positive energy to Franke and others, thanking the community for, "showing us love, defending us, uplifting us, and reminding us why we do this every single day."

Two Sweet Boutique serves up the sweets from Thursday through Sunday, and is located at 1526 Hurffville Road. Known for their cinnamon rolls, the shop also puts out a confectionary list of treats that include ice cream shakes and sundaes.

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