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.

 

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Planet Fitness Closes at University Place Ahead of Move to S. Elliott Road
Planet Fitness at University Place at 201 South Estes Drive closed to customers on Monday, Dec. 29 as the gym prepares to relocate to a new space at 257 South Elliott Road in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill's He's Not Here Among The Athletic's 'Top 10 College Bars' for 2025
A downtown Chapel Hill staple long known for its appeal to both UNC students, Tar Heel fans and visitors recently landed on a national list. The college football staff for The Athletic — a sports journalism magazine under the New York Times’ umbrella — named the 112 1/2 West Franklin Street bar He’s Not Here […]
New Chapel Hill Cocktail Bar Opens Its Doors; Carrboro Bakery Opens Its Café
Two small businesses in Chapel Hill and Carrboro marked big steps in recent days to welcoming more visitors: Little Gem and Even Dough Bakery.
Guglhupf Bake Shop in Eastgate Crossing Moves Back Reopening Date; Now Aug. 19
UPDATE: Guglhupf owner Sean Scott shared a message on the bakery's Facebook page Friday saying it would be pushed back to Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Some University Place Businesses Invite Customers Back, While Others Recover From Floods
While some of the Chapel Hill mall's tenants suffered significant flooding, others at University Place quickly reopened for business.
'Everything Is A Complete Loss': Eastgate Crossing Businesses Assess Flood Damage
At Chapel Hill's Eastgate Crossing shopping center, Tropical Depression Chantal left not a single business unscathed.
Chapel Hill's University Place Shares New Tenants — Including Doughnut Shop and Pilates Studio
With the latest phase of redevelopment at University Place finishing up, the Chapel Hill mall announced new leasing deals on Tuesday.
Frame & Print Shop Relocating Within Chapel Hill Mall; Here's Where and When
One of University Place’s longest-standing businesses is once again transitioning to a new space at the Chapel Hill mall. The Frame & Print Shop, currently located in Suite 400C of 201 Estes Drive, is relocating and expanding this weekend to Suite 102 at University Place — which will put the locally-owned custom framing business in […]
Chapel Hill Town Council Reviews Proposed Housing Developments for South Elliott Road and 15-501 South
The Chapel Hill Town Council recently reviewed two proposed housing developments at 200 South Elliott Road and along 15-501 South.
The Purple Bowl and The Patio Set to Open at 505 West Franklin Street
The Purple Bowl and its new offshoot business, The Patio, are preparing to welcome customers starting Thursday, September 12.
›