Sweetly Baked, a beloved dessert shop in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, will close permanently in April, according to owner Amanda Buhrman. After nearly four years of serving creative desserts and infusions, the shop will hold its final service on April 11.
Launched as a pop-up in 2021, Sweetly Baked quickly made a name for itself with homemade treats like macarons, cookies, and brownies. Its popularity led to the opening of a food trailer for catering and special events. In April 2024, the business expanded further, opening a brick-and-mortar location at 207 E. Buffalo St. However, economic challenges and financial instability have led Buhrman to make the difficult decision to close the shop.
Reasons Behind the Closure
In a social media post, Buhrman cited economic instability and mounting financial pressures as the primary reasons for the closure. Despite initial plans for continued growth, she stated that sustaining the current operations would require a significant investment. As a single parent, she expressed concerns about taking on more financial risks in the volatile economy.
“Although we were slated for ongoing growth and another amazing year, even sustaining where we are right now would require a significant investment,” Buhrman wrote. “After exploring several options and consulting with others, I cannot in good conscience commit to any additional financial risk.”
A Journey Built on Sweet Treats
Sweetly Baked became known for its combination of traditional and infused desserts, many featuring calming ingredients like CBD and hemp-derived THC. The shop offered a variety of sweet treats, including macarons, brownies, cookies, and banana pudding, alongside savory options like jalapeno cheddar mini loaves. The brick-and-mortar cafe also featured infused mocktails and a selection of dessert flights, pairing treats with wine and cocktails.
Buhrman began her journey in food service during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking a relaxing hobby through baking. She quickly turned her passion into a thriving business, attracting a loyal customer base with both the taste and the appearance of her creations.
Final Days at Sweetly Baked
Sweetly Baked will remain open as usual until its closing date. The store’s hours are:
Wednesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The closure will coincide with Gallery Night MKE, which takes place from April 11 through 12 across several Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Buhrman expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support, calling the journey “absolutely incredible” and thanking employees, past and present, for their contributions. She also acknowledged the emotional difficulty of closing the business she built from the ground up.
“It’s crushing to give up something I love and built from the ground up,” she shared. “I have met so many amazing people that were so gracious in helping me learn as I grew.”
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