BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Bakery — the beloved seller of paczki, bacon buns and other sweet and savory pastries — is closing again after nearly 50 years in the neighborhood.
The bakery will be open for its last day 5 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, according to an announcement on its Facebook page.
The bakery, 2907 S. Archer Ave., is closing due to “an unforeseen situation and financial hardship,” according to the announcement.
This isn’t the first time Bridgeport Bakery has closed. Former owner Ron Pavelka closed the business in October 2019 due to medical issues and wanting to spend more time with his family.
Shortly after that, Can Lao, a 39-year-old pharmacist and longtime Bridgeport resident, bought the business from Pavelka and officially reopened it as Bridgeport Bakery 2.0 in February 2020. It sold many of the same classic baked goods, and Lao added a few Asian pastries to honor his heritage.
In April 2020, the store closed for a day after two employees tested positive for coronavirus, prompting rumors on social media that the business was closing for good. Both employees stayed home for several days and came back to work, testing negative.
Now, almost two years since Lao took over Bridgeport Bakery, the business is closing its doors yet again.
“It has been a pleasure serving the Bridgeport community, and we thank you for your business through the pandemic. We are grateful for meeting all our new friends in the community,” according to the bakery’s announcement.
Bridgeport Bakery 2.0 will be open during its regular hours up until it closes and open for online delivery orders. Online orders can be placed here.
Lao could not immediately be reached for comment.
Listen to “It’s All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast” here: