After more than two decades, this Columbus bakery announced it has closed its doors
Columbus Corner Bakery is closing its doors after operating for over 20 years.
The business announced on Facebook that the bakery was up for sale on Jan. 2, and a second post clarified that Columbus Corner Bakery was closed.
Co-owners Joseph Dellascio and Martha Stephens Hart are moving on to other interests, Dellascio told the Ledger-Enquirer, and said this was a good time to do so.
Inflation and a labor shortage also made operating Columbus Corner Bakery more difficult, Dellascio said.
The labor force participation rate in the country remains below pre-pandemic levels, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In Georgia, the labor force participation rate was 63% in December 2019 was just under 62% in November 2023, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While inflation began to ease in the latter half of 2023, consumers still felt the brunt of increased prices that affected how Columbus Corner Bakery could set its own prices. As costs rose, they did not want to continue raising their prices for items like cupcakes, Dellascio said.
“We opened a neighborhood place,” he said. “And that’s what we wanted.”
Ultimately, while these issues made things harder, they were not the primary reason for deciding to close the bakery, Dellascio said.
Individuals who placed orders with the bakery will still get their orders, he said. The bakery will open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday to ensure they are able to assist customers.
His employees have already been notified about the closure, Dellascio said, and were paid for their time.
“Columbus has stood behind us for years,” Dellascio said. “So, I’m going to make sure we’re not just running out of town.”
This story was originally published January 2, 2024 at 1:32 PM.
