Saunders Family Bakery announces closure in downtown Holland

HOLLAND — Regulars of Saunders Family Bakery and Cafe received disappointing news this week: The business will close its doors Dec. 12.

Owners announced the closure on social media Wednesday, Dec. 7.

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“It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you all that we will be closing the Saunders Family Bakery in the next coming week,” the post read, adding the bakery will remain open through Monday, Dec. 12. “This will be your last chance to pick up your favorite baked goods and sweets from us.”

Terry and Kris Saunders opened the bakery at 102 S. River Ave. in March 2018. Terry started baking out of the couple’s home, experimenting and trying new recipes, before growing into a permanent brick-and-mortar business.

“We wanted to get a feel for the market, and it kind of just snowballed pretty quick for us,” Kris told The Sentinel in 2018. “We thought we would try a few things and see what the market would hold, and we are very excited about the response.”

The business expanded their menu in 2019 to include four new salads, four smoothies and hummus. Saunders added “cafe” to the bakery’s title in early 2022 when it launched a brunch and lunch menu.

“My husband and I are planning to retire at the end of the year from the bakery,” Kris told The Sentinel when the menu launched in April. “Our son and his wife are actually taking over. He has more of a culinary background.

“He helped open The Southerner in Saugatuck and spent three years in Honolulu. Their passion is owning a cafe, so we’ve started making some of those changes.”

Despite local support, Saunders ultimately discontinued the cafe menu in October.

Saunders Family Bakery added “cafe” to its title in early 2022 when it launched a brunch and lunch menu.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I sit here typing this post,” the business wrote. “Over the past five years, our small business has grown in ways that we never expected. This year we launched a cafe menu that has been loved by many, sadly the season for our cafe menu has come to a close.”

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In the company’s post Wednesday, Saunders thanked the community.

“We want to thank all of you for your support over the years and letting us be a mainstay in Holland until now,” the post read.

— Contact freelancer Austin Metz at ametz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Saunders Family Bakery announces closure in downtown Holland