Closed for Business: Simply Bread

Is it jumping the gun to wish it were April Fool's Day, instead of Valentine's Day? Not if you're a fan of Simply Bread's tasty artisanal baked goods. The five-year-old bakery -- which served 1,400 retail and restaurant customers -- reportedly shut down its operations yesterday. The company struggles weren't...

By Michele Laudig

February 14, 2011

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Is it jumping the gun to wish it were April Fool's Day, instead of Valentine's Day?

Not if you're a fan of Simply Bread's tasty artisanal baked goods. The five-year-old bakery -- which served 1,400 retail and restaurant customers -- reportedly shut down its operations yesterday.

The company struggles weren't caused by the recession, reports the Arizona Republic, but by issues with its Michigan-based lender.

"Our bank over five years has been experiencing unfortunate and significant challenges which, in turn, have become our challenges. We have looked diligently for solutions but the reality is that there is no choice but to cease operating and close our doors," said Simply Bread president Harold Back.

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