Burlington bakery to close after nearly five years in business

A bakery that opened in the Old North End of Burlington nearly five years ago announced that it will close after business Wednesday.

Knead Bakery, a plant-based bakery and café, began in January 2018 at 294 N. Winooski Ave. Open for breakfast and lunch and run by Rob Blum, the business serves sandwiches and salads using artisanal bread and cultured non-dairy cheeses made with cashews or pine nuts, vegetable oil and spices.

“After much thoughtful and difficult consideration, we are sad to announce that Knead will permanently close our doors next Thursday, September the 8^th,” the business posted Thursday on its Instagram account and website. The final day of business will be Wednesday.

“We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you all over the last 5 years, and for the incredible folks that have worked with us and made it all possible,” according to the message. “It has been quite a journey and we feel so lucky to have been a part of this community through the ups and downs. As we step away to focus more on our growing family, we will hold on tightly to all the amazing moments, friendships, and things we have learned owning Knead.”

Knead has been part of the slow-but-steady growth of vegan and vegetarian options in northern Vermont in recent years. The bakery followed restaurants such as Revolution Kitchen and Pingala Café in the Burlington vegan/vegetarian scene. Pingala this summer added a second restaurant location, in the New North End of Burlington. Further afield, the Nourish deli and bakery in St. Albans that opened last year offers plant-based food.