Popular bakery to close for months after using outdated license for years
Previously recognized as the top bakery in the U.S. by Yelp, Izola has temporarily shut its doors until the year’s end in San Diego’s East Village.
The venture kicked off in June 2020, with 12 croissants being dispatched from their third-floor window. Their unique approach and quality products quickly gained attention, turning their casual hobby into a thriving business.
With the easing of pandemic restrictions, Izola transformed the old photo studio into a cozy café, offering patrons a chance to relish their baked items accompanied by coffee and live music. The café soon became a hotspot, with long queues and extended waiting times. Their reputation peaked when Yelp declared Izola as the premier bakery in the U.S. in June 2022.
However, after running for over three years with only a Class B Cottage Food Operation food permit, typically reserved for small-scale home-based food businesses, Izola now faces the challenge of either downsizing or significantly revamping its kitchen and dining area. They’re also in the midst of securing a Type 41 Beer & Wine liquor license.
While Izola aims to recommence operations in roughly 90 days, the exact timeline hinges on renovations and obtaining necessary permits. The bakery is currently seeking support to retain its staff during this hiatus.
For some time, Izola has been eyeing a relocation to a spacious 4,790 square-foot venue in San Diego’s City Heights’ Azalea Park area to better cater to its growing clientele. Alongside inaugurating a new production site and café, they aspired to acquire a delivery truck for distributing their products citywide and to initiate an Izola home-baking program. The status of this new venue remains uncertain. Notably, Izola has already secured over $1 million in investments via Mainvest.
Izola is situated at 710 13th Street, Suite 300, in San Diego’s East Village.
