Toronto Bakery Shuts Down After 32 Years Due To Unprecedented Rent Increase

A family-owned bakery that has served as a stalwart of downtown Toronto for more than three decades has abruptly shut its doors because of the exorbitant cost of living and operating in the city, and issues with its tenancy — mainly, an unprecedented rent increase.

Little Italy locals have been heading to Golden Wheat for fresh-baked breads, Portuguese tarts, custom cakes and all sorts of other gourmet treats since the early '90s.

But, while the shop managed to remain a cherished and reliable go-to for made-with-love baked goods as the bustling strip around it evolved over the course of 32 long years, this weekend was its last in business — and regulars had little warning to prepare for the loss.

Posting to social media just one day before, management sadly informed patrons that the space they have long haunted at 652 College Street would be shuttered by Sunday's end, and vacant soon after.

"It's been an absolute pleasure serving this community. We are extremely grateful for all the support and loyalty throughout the years," they wrote on Instagram, where they've managed to endearingly eschew the draws of virality and gimmicks that other spots bank on for business.

Despairing comments immediately started flooding in, with residents calling the news heartbreaking and saying they simply couldn't believe that they stood to lose such a "one of a kind place" after so many years.

Customers commended Golden Wheat's delectable products and ever-impeccable customer service — with some staff operating with the motto to "be happy, make somebody happy" — while also sharing fond memories of the space, some going as far back as childhood.

"What a loss to College Street," one person wrote. "I'm crying. This is truly awful news," said another.

Owners shared a lengthier closure letter with blogTO that details the exact reasons that they were forced to come to this decision, which they say is the hardest they've ever had to make.

"After much thought, discussion, and trying every possible avenue, we are simply no longer able to continue due to the rising costs of doing business and the inability to reach an acceptable lease renewal agreement with our landlord," the letter reads.

"This decision has not come lightly, and it's one that has caused us much heartache. We've always poured our passion into every loaf, every cake and every smile shared at the counter. To say goodbye to all of that, even temporarily, is incredibly difficult... the connections we've made with each of you have meant the world to us."

But, amid the heartwrenching explanation, there is a small glimmer of hope: that potential "temporarily."

"We want to share that this may not be the end. We are hopeful that, sometime down the road, we may be able to reopen in a new location and continue the legacy we've built with all of you," they write.

"Until then, we will hold onto the memories we've created together and the lasting friendships we've made... we miss you more than words can express, and we hope to cross paths again in the future."

Thankfully, Golden Wheat's second location, a bakery and cafe at 579 Rogers Road, will be staying open. And we can bet that they'll be seeing a lot of familiar faces making the trek from College Street until they find a suitable second home, which we're really hoping they do soon.