EDMONTON – The venerable and beloved baking institution in Old Strathcona, known for its healthy breads and birthday cakes, is shutting its doors on Saturday, June 15.
Co-owner Gary Huising, who purchased the business seven years ago, says customer numbers have been dwindling for the last several years, but sales dropped significantly about 18 months ago when Bee-Bell lost the contract to sell baked goods at 40 locations of The Second Cup in Edmonton.
“It’s all older people mostly,” says Huising of the shop’s customer base. “We don’t get as much younger people.”
While the retail storefront is closing, Huising says some of Bee-Bell’s breads will be produced and sold wholesale through Sunrise Bakery in the city’s west end, which is also owned by Huising and other partners. Bee-Bell’s most popular breads, including white, whole wheat and seven-grain bread, will be sold at two No Frills outlets, one located in the strip mall across the street from Bee-Bell, and the other in the west end at Stony Plain Road and 157th Street.
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