Los Angeles bakery chain Sweet Lady Jane has shuttered its doors after 35 years.
In a statement on its website and social media accounts, the company said the last day of business was Dec. 31, and that “sales are not enough to continue doing business in the state of California, allowing us to service our lease obligations and pay our treasured employees a living wage without passing those costs directly on to you.”
Jane Lockhart opened the first location on Melrose Avenue in 1988 and the bakery soon won over the hearts of Angelenos with its sweet confections, the Triple Berry cake in particular. The bakery chain had since expanded with branches in Encino, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Calabasas and San Fernando — all which were closed.
In the statement, the company acknowledged its “loyal customer base,” calling them a “real community.” The announcement was met with dismay by some customers, who also took to social media to share how the bakery chain had been a part of celebrations over the years:
Something about this feels off. How could they just close the doors without a warning? This is a devastating loss. @TheGabestOfAll proposed to me with a Triple Berry Cake. 💔💔💔 https://t.co/sVzdfeuEHa
— Heidi Miller (@GlamdomFandom) January 2, 2024
NO!!!!! Milestones marked by triple berry cake…I can’t @sljcakeshop what can we do??? https://t.co/f3tO7SaN8U
— Joely Fisher (@MsJoelyFisher) January 2, 2024
The closure comes as the bakery chain was set to open two new locations, including one in Larchmont, this year. On social media pages as recently as two weeks ago, the company said it was looking into shipping cakes out of state.
Another local favorite, Milk Jar Cookies, announced it'll be closing its Miracle Mile and Encino locations on Jan. 15 after 10 years in business. Founder Courtney Cowan said in a statement on Instagram that “the cumulative effects of COVID, an excruciatingly long buildout due to inexplicable delays, a six month strike, and increasing inflationary pressures” have made costs “untenable.”
