Beloved bakery suddenly closes – in business since 1908 | World | News
A beloved bakery has announced it is closing after 118 years in business. Tait’s Bakery in Brockville was founded in 1908 and sells baked goods, sandwiches, and small meals.
The reason for Tait’s closure has not been revealed, with the owner declining interviews, but it appears abrupt, as staff indicated they weren’t given advance notice. But fans have taken to social media to mourn its loss, sharing memories of visits to the Canadian bakery over the years. “Tait’s has been a landmark in the downtown core for as long as I can remember,” said Stanley Lachapelle in a Facebook comment on the store’s closure. “That is a huge part of Brockville’s history and all the stores it services,” reads another comment from Heather MacKay. “That is sad, really.” The current owners bought Tait’s in 2025, and it once had four other locations in Parkedale Avenue, Kingston, Smiths Falls, and Perth. Before that, the Mazurek family owned it for 34 years.
“We’re definitely sad to hear about the closure; it was very unexpected for us,” said Ainsley Brown, the community engagement and events manager for the Downtown Brockville Business Improvement Area (BIA).
“It’s been a part of downtown Brockville for generations. Their presence has been part of the whole community’s story for decades. So many people have memories tied there, and it played a large role in everyday life here in Brockville.”
Brown added: “We have so many wonderful coffee shops in downtown Brockville. If anyone was a regular at Tait’s, we encourage them to explore other local businesses.”
The Canadian hospitality industry is currently undergoing a “structural reset,” with thousands of closures projected for 2026 following a wave of closures in 2025.
Analysts expect a shift where “middle-class” dining disappears, splitting the market between luxury and low-cost options, with moderate-tier establishments bearing the brunt of closures.
Small business closures have outpaced openings for six consecutive quarters since early 2024, reaching a 5.6% exit rate in early 2026.
