Townsend Bakery closes

After 27 years at 175 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham, The Townsend Hotel announced it would not be reopening The Townsend Bakery, describing the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept through the country as “very difficult and unprecedented times.” The bakery was known for its wedding cakes, special occasion cakes and tortes, cookies, cupcakes and other sweets. “I can’t tell you how distraught I am to announce that The Townsend Bakery is now closed permanently. The staff, management and customers throughout the last 27 years have been amazing and I feel honored to have worked with such a great team of people,” Steven Kalczynski, managing director of the Townsend Hotel stated. “The bakery, which first opened its doors in 1997, closed its doors in response to social distancing mandates by the state in March. It was not offering take-out, delivery or pick-up because overhead costs would outweigh sales made during the closure period because of the way that the bakery is set up,” Kalczynski said. “The numbers just did not work.” Kalczynksi said the hotel hopes to still offer fresh baked pastries and cakes “to go” once everything is open and operational. Business Matters for the Birmingham - Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.