Business & Tech

Updated: Bakers' Best Closes Newton Highlands Location

The popular Lincoln Street eatery closed its doors today to focus on its catering business.

Updated 5 p.m.

The decision to close the Newton location of was "bittersweet", owner and founder Michael Baker told Newton Patch this afternoon. 

After 27 years in Newton, Baker closed the doors to his cafe today as the he looks to focus on the catering side of the business. 

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Baker said he had initially planned to keep the Newton Highlands cafe open until the end of the year, but with slowed business in Newton and a higher demand at the commissary in Needham, he decided to close up shop a few weeks early. 

"I wasn't able to [staff the cafe] at the standards I wanted," Baker said

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Earlier this year, Baker said he had informed staff at the cafe that the Lincoln Street location would close at the end of the year. At that point, some employees started finding other jobs, he said. 

Meanwhile, Baker said the Bakers' Best commissary in Needham -- where the catering business is based -- is "flourishing" and needed some extra support. 

In August, to focus on catering, which makes up 85 percent of the business. Four months later, Baker said he still has not found a buyer for the Lincoln Street spot.

"We've talked to a number of different people but no one has stepped forward," he said, noting that someone is coming by later this week to take a second look at the location. 

Another option on the table, Baker said, is to re-open half of the current Newton Highlands location, which was expanded a decade ago. Although there is no commitment on the table, it would be something on a smaller scale that would still maintain the relationships with patrons in Newton, Baker said. 

Over the last few weeks, as families and students come back to Newton for the holidays, people have been sharing memories with Baker about cookies he has made over the years for Christmas celebrations and bar mitzvahs.

"It was a long run and a good run," Baker said. 

Nevertheless, Baker assured patrons that the catering side of the business is in full force, and that all the popular Bakers' Best treats are available to order from the Needham commissary.

Special orders and deliveries will be available during Christmas at the Newton Highlands location (see details below). 

 

Posted earlier:

, officially shuttered its doors today.

In a letter posted on the cafe doors, owner and founder Michael Baker told patrons that while closing the cafe was a difficult decision, it allows the company to bring more attention to its catering division which makes up 85 percent of the business.

In an email sent to Newton Patch, a spokesperson for the business said the cafe owners have been in contact with a number of potential buyers over the last couple of months. 

The business, , will continue to offer its menu through its catering business, which is based out Needham.

"On a personal note, I will very much miss the day-to-day interactions I have enjoyed with each of you at the cafe, but the fact is, Bakers’ Best Catering is still Bakers’ Best, and we look forward to serving you for many years to come," Baker said in his letter. 

A full copy of Baker's letter is available in the .pdf section to the right.

Holiday hours for catering services are as follows:

Christmas Eve:

Special orders may be picked up at the cafe on Saturday, Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m.

Christmas Day:

Bakers’ Best will be closed on Christmas Day. 

Deliveries:

Special order deliveries will be scheduled on Friday, Dec. 23 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Orders:

To place an order, call 617-332-4588


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