HUDSON — A Hudson bakery that drew lines of customers down the block for its gourmet breads and pastries has shuttered after two years of operation.
Breadfolks Bakery has permanently closed its Hudson storefront, according to a social media post Aug. 29 from Breadfolks owner Norman Jean Roy.
In his public message, Roy said the 322 Warren St. bakery, which opened in August 2020, had run its course despite business success in the city.
“In the two years we’ve been open, we’ve served over 200,000 customers and made over 400,000 breads and pastries on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,” Roy wrote. “While this may seem small by some bigger bakery standards, that’s a lot for our small bakery staff and our small town of Hudson. We shattered our wildest expectations, garnered industry and media accolades and secured a legion of fans — all in the pursuit of excellence. Seeing our relentless line start 30 minutes before opening every day always left us in awe and made us grateful. All of this happening, while navigating the uncharted waters of an epidemic, compounded by personnel shortages and untenable food cost increases. To say we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished is an understatement!”
Roy, who is also a renowned fashion photographer, added that Breadfolks had reached its business milestones sooner than anticipated and that he decided to close the bakery’s retail location and “focus all our energy on Breadfolks’ next chapter.”
The formerly bustling bakery is now vacated and sports a sign that reads, “Thank you, see you soon.”
Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson said he was surprised that the bakery closed considering the shop’s success.
The mayor said he had heard concerns from full-time city residents regarding Hudson stores that are open only on weekends to cater to the throngs of tourist and part-time resident crowds.
“I think that’s definitely been an issue,” Johnson said Thursday. “They’re private businesses so there’s nothing we can do at a government level, but I would like to see some of the stores, especially the restaurants, open at least five days a week.”
Lori Dardani, owner of Steiner’s Sports on Warren Street, said she has seen the Hudson business community constantly change over the last five decades since her family purchased the bike and ski shop in 1971. She was not troubled by the sudden closure of the Warren Street bakery, where long lines of customers formed across the street from Steiner’s Sports.
“I’m not concerned,” Dardani said. “I think it was just their choice.”
While Breadfolks operated on a limited weekend schedule, Steiner’s Sports is open seven days per week, serving local residents and the weekend tourist trade.
“We’re always busy because with the bike shop we’re service-oriented,” Dardani said. “So seven days a week someone could have a problem with their bike. Going into ski and snowboard season it’s the same thing; we do a lot of service.”
In an online reaction to the news of Breadfolk’s closure, Jonathan Simons, the owner of Jonathan’s Computers on Warren Street, asked what would happen to the bakery’s employees because the shop owner’s “little hobby became too much work.”
Johnson said he would classify the Warren Street business scene as healthy.
“If you are in Hudson on the weekends, then you see the large number of people that are out shopping and dining,” Johnson said.