5 Iconic Ohio Bakeries Closing This Spring 2026

Farewell to the Oven: Beloved Ohio Bakeries Closing in 2026

Here are the notable Ohio bakeries closing their doors in 2026.

1. New Horizons Baking Company (Toledo)

In one of the most significant industrial shifts for Northwest Ohio, New Horizons Baking Company has announced the permanent closure of its manufacturing facility in North Toledo.

• The Timeline: According to state filings, the facility at 1015 New York Ave. is scheduled to shut down on March 17, 2026.
• The Reason: The company, which produces English muffins and sandwich buns for over 2,000 restaurants, cited infrastructure limitations at the aging plant.
• The Shift: While 68 workers are being laid off in Toledo, the company is consolidating its operations into its newer, high-speed bun facility in Columbus.

2. Cake Creations Bakery (New Carlisle)

The community of New Carlisle is mourning the loss of a local staple. Cake Creations Bakery has officially transitioned to a permanent closure this spring following the tragic passing of its owner.

• A Bittersweet End: After more than 20 years in business, the bakery initially struggled with the illness of owner Brooke Brewer. While there were hopes to keep the legacy alive under new management, the bakery finalized its exit heading into 2026.
• The Legacy: Known for making birthdays and holidays special for decades, the bakery's closure leaves a void in the community it served so faithfully.

3. Bake Me Treats (Poland)

In the Mahoning Valley, Bake Me Treats on South Main Street has officially shuttered its doors as the owner embarks on a "new chapter."

• The Departure: Owner Gabriele Broker announced that the bakery would not return for the 2026 season, closing permanently after a decade of service.
• The Impact: The shop was a favorite destination for macarons and unique daily treats in Poland, Ohio. The owner cited personal growth and a desire for new adventures as the primary drivers for the goodbye.

4. The Loss of Historic Icons

While some closures were finalized just before the spring season, their absence is being felt most sharply now:

• Warren Baking Company (Warren): After a staggering 102 years of service, this Warren institution has ceased operations. The "Dominic’s" bread, a staple of local dinner tables since 1923, is no longer in production, marking the end of one of the longest-running family legacies in Ohio baking.
• Regina Bakery (Cincinnati): A West Side favorite since 1964, Regina Bakery has completed its transition. While some recipes were shared with local partners, the original storefronts have closed as the owners entered retirement.

Why the Shift in 2026?

Industry experts point to a "generational transition" affecting Ohio's baking industry:

1. Infrastructure vs. Efficiency: As seen with New Horizons, older multi-story bakeries are becoming economically unfeasible compared to new, single-story automated facilities in "hub" cities like Columbus.
2. The Retirement Gap: Many of Ohio's most beloved shops were founded by artisans of the "Boomer" generation. As they reach retirement age, the demanding 90-hour work weeks are becoming harder to pass down to a new generation.
3. Market Consolidation: The market is splitting between high-end, award-winning boutiques and massive industrial suppliers, leaving the traditional "middle-market" neighborhood bakery in a precarious position.