Legendary LA cake chain abruptly closes all stores to the sorrow of customers
For over three decades, one cake reigned supreme in Los Angeles. Nestled atop celebratory pedestals, its layers bursting with berries, it graced graduation parties, birthdays, bridal showers, and weddings alike. This is the story of Sweet Lady Jane, and its legendary triple berry cake, whose reign sadly came to an end on the last day of 2023.
Sweet Lady Jane, a bakery synonymous with joyous occasions, boasted six charming locations across the City of Angels – West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Encino, Calabasas, and San Fernando. However, on New Year’s Eve, the familiar warmth of their ovens went silent, leaving a bittersweet aroma of nostalgia in their wake.
The news, announced via a social media statement, sent shockwaves through Angelenos accustomed to marking life’s milestones with a slice of Sweet Lady Jane’s magic. Just months after celebrating its 35th anniversary in June, the bakery had recently remodeled existing stores and even held plans for expansion with two new locations in Larchmont and Marina del Rey.
Jane Lockhart, the bakery’s founder, first brought Sweet Lady Jane to life in 1988, opening its doors on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. While the triple berry cake wasn’t on the initial menu, it became an instant sensation upon its introduction, quickly catapulting to stardom. In fact, this delectable masterpiece, with its fluffy vanilla sponge, tangy berries, and pillowy whipped cream, reportedly accounted for over half of the bakery’s sales.
Sweet Lady Jane’s closure arrives at a time of unease for the Los Angeles restaurant industry, with 2023 witnessing a string of notable closures. While the exact reasons behind the bakery’s demise remain undisclosed, it underscores the challenges faced by the industry due to rising costs, staffing shortages, and a shifting economic landscape.
