A popular local bakery chain in eastern Maine closed its Ellsworth storefront Wednesday less than two years after it opened.
Sweet Cheeks bakery, offering a range of cakes, muffins and pastries, has shuttered its Mill Mall storefront on State Street after its owners struggled to fill staffing shortages, to meet the climbing prices of ingredients and to address personal matters.
The bakery’s Facebook page announced the closure Wednesday evening and clarified that its 24-hour vending kiosk will remain open. The kiosk is one of at least two 24-hour dessert vending shops in Ellsworth. The post attracted more than 1,300 likes.
Owner Jonathan Beal opened the chain’s first location on Verona Island in 2021 and has since then expanded to sites in Ellsworth, Holden, Newport and Bucksport, the last of which was a retro-themed diner that opened last year.
The post cited several reasons for the closure, including that the bakery was unable to consistently staff the Ellsworth location, which required it to adjust delivery schedules, and the rising costs of eggs, cocoa, packaging materials, electricity, gas and trash removal.
Beal’s Facebook message also mentioned several personal commitments that led to the decision to close the Ellsworth site, which had a seating area and salad bar.
Most of the comments offered the bakery support and agreed with the difficulty of running a business in today’s economy.
“Very sad and you’re right the cost-of-living has definitely taken a toll on us too,” one Facebook commenter wrote. “We appreciate you being there and all that you guys do for the community! I am so sorry for all the loss and all that you are going through! Completely understand and will just have to drive to Verona!”
Beal did not immediately respond to inquiries from the Bangor Daily News.