The lights are off and the bakery cases empty at Dingeldein Bakery in New Cumberland.

The popular bakery and breakfast and lunch spot along Bridge Street suddenly closed earlier this week after 18 years in business. A sign posted on the front door reads: “Closed Until Further Notice.”

Its owners, Russ and Laurie Dingeldein, said they closed due to financial reasons and blame the down economy and a drop in wholesale orders.

“We’re just tired of the burden,” Russ Dingeldein said.

Through the years, Dingeldein built its reputation on custom wedding cakes as well as pastries, doughnuts, biscotti, shortbread and birthday cakes. Its white chocolate mousse cake with white chocolate curls was a signature item.

The bakery also served soups, sandwiches and salads and in recent weeks had introduced an expanded menu with burgers, wraps and subs.

“It was always busy when I was in there. That’s a shame to see something that has been there that long get to that point,” said Stephanie Hastings of Lemoyne.

Brides and grooms won’t be left in the lurch. Dingeldein is honoring all cake orders, including wedding cakes, with deposits on them, Russ Dingeldein said. The Dingeldeins are contacting customers who had placed orders.

“We want to honor that. I don’t want to disappoint people,” he said.