Some goodbyes are harder than others. This is one of them.
For over 150 years, our beloved heritage building at 401 Brant Street has stood witness to generations of life, love, and laughter in downtown Burlington. It has been a candy store, an ice cream shop, and a jewellery store when first built in 1872. It has carried the names of many stewards – Absalom Cline, Dickinson, Johnstone, Watson— and for the past 13 years, it has been ‘Kelly’s Bake Shoppe’.
When we first opened Kelly’s Bake Shoppe in 2012, we never imagined just how much love these walls would hold. Over the years, tens of thousands of you have walked through our doors, filling this space with joy-celebrating birthdays, engagements, first dates, and everyday moments made sweeter by a cupcake or cookie.
Many of you have traveled hours and even crossed international borders just to visit us, and because of you, we were honored with the Tourism Ambassador Award. We fought for this building when it was sold to condo developers seven years ago, making it onto the front page of the Toronto Star in 2018, standing up for the heart and charm of Downtown Burlington.
Until recently, we were told construction would be too costly. And yet – here we are. It is with deep sadness that we have been given 60 days to vacate this beautiful building and it is our understanding that the site has apparently been selected for multi-use rental housing, a departure from the originally planned condo development.
Like you, this news took us by surprise. And while we are heartbroken, we are not broken. This building has housed our business, but it is NOT our business. Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is so much more than four walls—it’s a love movement, a community, a heart-centered mission.
From day one, our mission has been to create a place where everyone – regardless of allergies or dietary choices – feels included and can enjoy a treat without worry. That will never change. We are here to say that we are not going anywhere. We are grateful to have opened our Oakville location in late 2024, not realizing then just how timely and important that decision would be. We are actively searching for a new Downtown Burlington home that embodies the warmth, charm, and magic of 401 Brant Street while continuing to serve our amazing community, although it’s challenging because most buildings are owned by developers.
Yes, this is one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever faced. But we choose to RISE. We choose to grow. And we choose to be bigger and better on the other side of this— this is the beginning of the next chapter of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe!
Our biggest ask of you, our incredible, loving community, is to share this message. Tell your friends and family. Visit our Burlington location before the end of April (our final date is still uncertain). Let’s fill this space with love and joy for as long as we can. Let’s celebrate the magic, the laughter, and the love that 401 Brant Street has held for us all. The heartache is real. But so is our love.
With endless and eternal gratitude, Kelly and Erinn
