Italian Bakery Closes 97th Street Location
Closure marks the end of an era.
On January 4th, Italian Bakery announced via social media that its location at 10644 97th Street was permanently closing. “Today we close the chapter on an era. Today we say goodbye to our Downtown 97st store. It wasn’t an easy decision, but sadly the one that had to be made,” said the post on Instagram (@italianbakery) and Facebook (@italianbakeryedm).
The Chinatown location had been rebuilt and reopened in October 2023 following a fire that burned down the original building in 2020.
However, co-owner Rosaly DeVenz told Boyle McCauley News via email that since reopening, the business has struggled with “high property taxes, lack of foot traffic, people’s perception of our neighbourhood, [and] lack of municipal support.”
“I’m so sorry to hear about the closure of the Italian Bakery; it’s a huge loss for the community,” said Anne Stevenson, Councillor for Ward O-day’min, in an emailed statement to Boyle McCauley News. “The bakery’s closure speaks to the urgent action we need from Provincial and Federal governments to resolve the housing and health crises we see playing out on our streets, and that disproportionately impact Chinatown and McCauley.”
She added, “I’m committed to ensuring the City continues to support Chinatown, including investments like the $480,000 in annual vibrancy grants, over $10m in infrastructure upgrades for public realm improvements and the new Mary Burlie Park, ongoing enhanced cleaning, and safety initiatives through EPS funding and City Peace Officers.”
DeVenz, whose parents founded the Italian Bakery, says that the immediate plans for the property is listing it “for sale/lease and see[ing] what happens.”
Many people posted their memories of the Italian Bakery after the social media posts went live. The 97th Street location was the bakery’s original one, having opened in 1960.
“I know this decision affects us all and I would love to thank the community for all their amazing support over the past 64+ years,” said DeVenz.
Italian Bakery’s second location, in the Beverly neighbourhood at 4118 118th Avenue, remains open for business.
Paula E. Kirman is the Editor of Boyle McCauley News.
