Much-loved Worthing business to close after 12 years due to rising costs
A popular West Sussex brownie business will close its doors for the last time this weekend.
Worthing-based Baked, which recently celebrated its 12th birthday, put posts on its social media accounts last night to announce it would be shutting down.
Based in Rowlands Road, Baked was set up in August 2014 by Lauren Roffey, after a crowdfunding campaign.
The post to Baked’s Instagram and Facebook accounts last night read: “As everyone knows, running a small business has been pretty tough going the past couple of years. And yes, while we are busy, costs have risen, and continue to rise, absolutely everywhere.
"From utilities to wages to ingredients and more, the cumulative effect has been mad, and sadly it no longer makes sense.
“Our margins have been squeezed so tight that there's no room to grow: no possibility of new equipment; no scope to make improvements in the bakery: no chance to try out new ideas. It's a bit relentless and pretty exhausting.
“But it's not only the maths.
“On personal level, after 12 years, this is the right time for me to end this chapter.
“Baked has been a huge part of my life. It's where my now husband popped in for coffee so often I had to go out on a date with him to save his bank balance. My son (now 10!) knows no other version of me, he's grown up on brownies. And it's where I have met so many fantastic people and made so many wonderful friends.
“I know it feels like disappointing news, but rest assured, this is the right decision at the right time; for myself, my family, and my team.
“Thanks go out to everyone who has helped and supported me from life as little start up to where we are now. To all my friends and family who have been my biggest cheerleaders.
“And to my utterly brilliant team, especially Nicole and Naomi. This ride would have been no fun without you.
“Finally, a huge thank you to you all, for loving brownies just as much as I do.
“We’re closing our doors for one last time this Saturday. It would be lovely to see you.
“Lauren x”
Each post attracted hundreds of comments, with many sharing their sadness about the business’s closure.
To see the full post and read the comments, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/DcwATQ3DQId/?img_index=1