Maillard Patisserie, a Baltimore bakery with locations in Hampden and Hamilton, will be shutting down in early May.
Owner and pastry chef Caitlin Kiehl announced the news on social media Monday, citing the heavy workload of running a small business.
“The reality is, this work can be mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting,” Kiehl wrote. “Owning a small business is a 24/7 job and after 5+ years I need to take some time off to rest and reset and prioritize time with friends and family.”
Kiehl also reflected on the fulfillment she has had selling pastries to the people of Baltimore.
“When I began Maillard in 2020 I really had no idea what it would become over the next five years,” she wrote. “It’s been an incredible journey and the greatest privilege to serve two wonderful Baltimore neighborhoods alongside an amazing staff.”
Until May, Maillard Patisserie will continue serving up baked goods from both its locations.
“We have a few more holidays to get through and some fun things we’d like to do before we’re finished so we hope you’ll stick with us as we enter into our final months,” Kiehl wrote.
An alum of chef Cindy Wolf’s Charleston restaurant (formerly part of the Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group), Kiehl first launched Maillard Patisserie in 2020. She initially worked out of the B-More Kitchen coworking space and sold goods at places like Sophomore Coffee and Cafe Los Suenos, according to Baltimore magazine.
In early 2022, Kiehl opened Maillard’s first brick-and-mortar location in Hampden, taking over the space previously occupied by Full Circle Doughnuts.
Then, in 2023, she opened her second location, this time in the Hamilton space that was previously Bramble Baking Co.
In her announcement, Kiehl encouraged anyone interested in either space that her shops currently occupy to reach out to her so she can connect them with the landlords.
Social media users lamented the patisserie’s upcoming closure, while also offering words of support and understanding.
“Noooo:( best almond croissant I’ve ever had,” Jenna Mullin wrote on Facebook.
“Your treats were a delight of pick-up orders paired with tea from [Mid-Town Belvedere area business Pillion Tea] during the worst of the COVID pandemic, and I’ve enjoyed stopping by your Hampden location whenever conducting errands nearby! Best of luck to you and yours,” K. C. Flores-Hugendubler wrote on Instagram.
“You’ve been my go to place for pastries ever since you opened. You will be greatly missed,” Sally Windsor wrote on Facebook.
“We’ll miss such a short walk to your amazing morning buns and ham croissants (our favs),” the Baltimore Trinket Library wrote on Instagram.
“I am so so sad to hear this – but also can only imagine the stress and strain! Hope you continue to find joy in what you do and hopefully we can still get your amazing baked goods somewhere when you feel restored and recouped,” Claire Galloway Weber wrote on Facebook.
Fellow business owners, from Hampden and Hamilton to other parts of Baltimore, shared their own words of encouragement.
“You will be missed! Truly outstanding pastry and baked goods. Wishing you the very best. It’s a hard job,” wrote Hampden restaurant Golden West Cafe on Instagram.
“[T]hank you for always taking such good care of us and for being the best neighbor EVER!!!! You will be missed so much,” wrote Hampden salon Crafted Hair Studio on Instagram.
“We’ve had nothing but love for you since day one! Here is to hoping for some much deserved recharging for you, you have certainly worked your ass off to get it,” wrote Mid-Town Belvedere business Pillion Tea on Instagram.
Maillard Patisserie’s Hampden store is located at 3528 Chestnut Ave. The Hamilton shop is at 5414 Harford Road.
