The small, Black-owned bakery discovered a house alongside the Jefferson Boulevard. The homeowners say inflation, provide challenges are amongst points forcing them to shut.
DALLAS — A preferred family-owned bakery in Oak Cliff is planning to permanently shut its doorways.
The homeowners of Kookie Haven introduced on social media its final day in enterprise will probably be Saturday, July 9.
Kookie Haven has change into a scorching spot alongside Dallas’ Jefferson Boulevard enterprise district. Customers describe it as a house for scrumptious desserts.
“To me, when you eat our product, it reminds you of home. It reminds you of your grandma,” mentioned Darla McCuen.
McCuen and her sister, Nita Briggs, are co-owners of Kookie Haven. The girls introduced the small, family-owned bakery from Mesquite to Oak Cliff 5 years in the past. They had large desires in sight.
“When we came, we were so excited, because we felt we had finally found the right spot,” mentioned McCuen.
The bakery rapidly generated optimistic buzz and a big following. The workers specialised in whipping up distinctive desserts like square-shaped muffins in a wide range of flavors, an assortment of cookies, and Kookie Haven’s signature ‘Stuffers.’
“Everything is made from scratch. And we don’t skimp on our ingredients,” Briggs mentioned.
But the COVID-19 pandemic got here. It hit many small companies, together with the Black-owned bakery. The homeowners mentioned that problem, coupled with present inflation, made issues robust.
“We had large desires and targets, you recognize. It’s exhausting. It was actually exhausting,” Briggs mentioned, as she fought again tears.
This week, Briggs and McCuen introduced on social media Kookie Haven is permanently closing its doorways Saturday. The girls mentioned inflation, bills and provide challenges are simply an excessive amount of.
“We were spending about $50 for a gallon of extract. Well, when they shut down we had to go find it, and we would pay $384 for the same amount,” defined Briggs.
Kookie Haven’s closing is additionally devastating for a lot of clients who benefit from the desserts.
“These ladies work really hard and they’re very professional. Very professional and customer oriented. They make you feel special when you walk in the door,” one longtime buyer shared.
The household mentioned it sacrificed lots to carry their small bakery to life. As they put together to bake their final batches, the workforce mentioned it’s grateful to each buyer who gave them and their candy treats an opportunity.
“Nita said that when we first started here, that if we didn’t do Kookie Haven we’d do the world a disservice. That’s a little saddening, because the world didn’t get a chance to know us. That’s the part that’s sad to me. Is that they didn’t get a chance to know who we really are,” McCuen tearfully shared.
The Kookie Haven is situated at 337 Jefferson Boulevard in Dallas, Texas. The workers is planning a enjoyable closing from 11 a.m. to six p.m. Saturday, July 9. The homeowners say there will probably be some giveaways.
story by The Texas Tribune Source link