News Summary
Blackmarket Bakery has officially closed its Costa Mesa and Oceanside locations after over a decade of service, announced by owner Rachel Klemek. While the closures took effect recently, the North Park location will remain open. Klemek expressed gratitude for the community’s support and reflected on the bakery’s legacy, which included popular artisan breads and baked goods. The closures raise concerns about the future of independent bakeries amidst competitive pressures in the market.
Costa Mesa – Blackmarket Bakery, a staple of the Orange County culinary scene, has officially closed its locations in Costa Mesa and Oceanside after more than a decade of service. The closures were announced by executive pastry chef and owner Rachel Klemek through a social media post, expressing her sorrow over the decision. Despite the closure of these two locations, Klemek confirmed that the bakery’s North Park establishment will continue to operate, inviting loyal customers to visit.
The closures took effect late last week, although the specific reasons for this decision have not been disclosed. Klemek reflected on her decade-long journey in Costa Mesa, highlighting her appreciation for the supportive clientele, friendly neighbors, and dedicated staff that contributed to the success of her bakery during its tenure in the community.
Blackmarket Bakery opened its Costa Mesa location in January 2013 at The Camp, an outdoor retail and dining venue. The bakery quickly garnered a reputation for its expansive selection of artisan breads and pastries, notably the signature caramel-laced Black Widow Tart, which became a fan favorite. Similarly, the Oceanside location, which opened in April 2024, added to the brand’s growing presence in Southern California.
Klemek, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has not only been dedicated to baking but has also shared her skills by teaching classes at the Costa Mesa location. Her culinary expertise has been recognized on a national level, especially after her victory on Food Network’s “Chopped” competition series in 2019, which helped increase her profile and the bakery’s visibility.
In the wake of the closure announcement, many patrons expressed their nostalgia for the experiences they shared at Blackmarket Bakery and the enrichment offered through Klemek’s baking classes. Comments flooded in on social media, with numerous fans recalling memorable moments and the distinctive flavors that defined their visits.
Prior to the recent closures, Blackmarket Bakery had already shut down its Santa Ana location back in 2022. This trend raises questions about the future sustainability of independent bakeries in a competitive market, as local establishments continue to navigate the complexities of the economic landscape and changing consumer behaviors.
Despite the recent setbacks, the North Park location of Blackmarket Bakery remains open at 4686 30th St., where patrons can still access the artisan offerings that have made the bakery a beloved institution. The commitment to quality and community engagement is expected to carry on in this remaining location, as Klemek continues to foster connections with her customers.
The closure of the Costa Mesa and Oceanside locations marks the end of an era for Blackmarket Bakery, which has been a cherished destination for baked goods in Orange County for over twelve years. As the culinary environment continues to evolve, the lasting impact of Blackmarket Bakery’s commitment to craft and community will be remembered by its many loyal fans.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Blackmarket Bakery Closes in Costa Mesa
- Wikipedia: Artisan Bakery
- OC Register: Rose Bakery Café to Open Third Location
- Google Search: Independent Bakeries Sustainability
- OC Register: Rye Goods Closes Lido Location
- Google Scholar: Impact of Bakery Closures
- Locale Magazine: Best Bakeries in Orange County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bakery
- Modern Honey: Best Places to Eat in Orange County
- Google News: Orange County Bakeries
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
