Burned Bagel Store Owner Buoyed By Buddy

When Buddy Wachsmuth heard that Chester Bagel and Deli owner Henry Delgado had been burned in a kitchen accident, he immediately took to the internet to rally the community for well-wishes. The plan was to deliver the good vibes in person, and true to his word, Wachsmuth was able to do just that.

“I managed to collect about 130 e-mails in all, and each one was better than the one that preceded it,” Wachsmuth said. “The outpouring of love from this town, and from those who contributed that live in other areas, was amazing.”

The care package, delivered by Wachsmuth, his dad, his brother and friend Sam Verdiramo.

“Although he was resting and still in pain, he was extremely grateful for our visit, the emails and the care packages provided by Bright Horizons Day Care Center in Chester,” Wachsmuth said.

For his part, Verdiramo was happy to see that Delgado was on the mend.

“I have known Henry and the rest of the Chester Bagel Crew ever since the store opened. I immediately fell in love with the food and the atmosphere of the store. Every time I would see Henry behind the counter we would exchange a sweet handshake and a warm conversation. He is an incredibly nice man and I'm proud to call him a friend of mine,” Verdiramo said. “When I found out Henry was hurt in the kitchen accident I was really upset. I know how bad burns can be, and I was just hoping he was going to be ok. Buddy asked me to spread the message in support for Henry and I was happy to help anyway I could.”

According to Wachsmuth, Delgado was shocked at the e-mails and packages.

“He had no idea what I had been up to, which I found odd, due to the huge amount of attention this was getting,” Wachsmuth said.

For his part, Delgado says that everyday is a little better than the one before and the community support has been a large part of his recovery.  

“The outpouring of love, and well wishes has been more than I could believe. I just keep asking myself, what could I have done to deserve all of this? Everybody has been so supportive, and it all started with Buddy. He is an amazing young man, and really made me feel special,” Delgado said. “He went through so much work to compile all the emails he received, and bound them in a book for me. I have referred to it often, and it’s a big part of my motivation. I also believe it has played a big part in my recovery as well. According to the doctor’s, my recovery is well ahead of schedule.”

If he has it his way, Delgado will be back in the store sooner rather than later.

“I hope to be back to work in a few weeks,” Delgado said. “I just hope that’s not wishful thinking.”

Until then, he has the warm wishes and support of a community to reflect on and the support of friends and family to keep him going.