The Great Harvest Bread Co. location in Chapel Hill is permanently closing later this week after more than two decades of business in town.
The 229 South Elliott Road franchise of the from-scratch bakery and café company shared a newsletter and social media post with its patrons on Sunday announcing it will formally close its normal operations on Friday, April 19. The post from the location’s leadership duo of Amy Kelley and Brandy Corbett said the decision was the result of “long discussions with franchise headquarters” after a series of equipment replacements and adjustments to the business.
“We had hoped and have been working for a creative solution including merging with other area Great Harvests and other possible ownership options, but all options have been exhausted,” said Sunday’s message to customers. “This is to let you know that this will be the last week that Great Harvest Chapel Hill will be operating and that the space will be on the market beginning next week for general use as a bakery, coffee shop, community kitchen, or other creative solutions for a new owner.”
The local Great Harvest Bread Co. opened in the 229 South Elliott Road space in the early 2000s under the ownership of Bob Krueger. It went through several an ownership changes since then — most recently in 2022, with Kelley and Corbett coming onboard to replace the retiring Jeff and Cathy Bailey. The franchise lasted in the Elliott Square shopping center as it went through significant renovation in the mid-2010s, offering people freshly-baked bread, sandwiches, coffee and more.
The Chapel Hill location’s leadership said even though their business is closing, those who will miss the bakery should contact the Montana-based headquarters for Great Harvest to “explore opening your own store.”
“As [local author Molly Stillman] says, ‘If I don’t laugh, I’ll cry’…we’ll laugh over the many adventures this year has brought,” said Sunday’s post, “and together look forward to what this little corner space in Chapel Hill will bring for the next season!”
Hours for Great Harvest Bread Co. in Chapel Hill will continue as 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, before the business will hold a final retail item and inventory sale on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Sunday, April 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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