A bakery located in the growing heart of downtown Lexington has closed its doors, at least for now.
O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe, which has been located at 121 E. Main St. in Lexington for the last five years, notified customers of the closure in a Sunday afternoon post on Facebook.
“Announcing the immediate (hopefully temporary) closure of the O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe,” the post from owner Matt O’Hara said. “We are not giving up on the space or the prospect of finding a model that might work here, but we are going to cease operations under the current model. … We are evaluating all options that are available to us with hopes of coming through this with a viable hospitality business.”
O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe has offered a host of baked goods and desserts through the years, as well as coffee and more. Most recently, the cafe had shifted to a counter service model that focused on a variety of bagels. The bakery has been listed in The State’s compilation of some of the Midlands’ essential restaurants.
“We will keep you posted here when any further decisions are made,” O’Hara posted. “Thanks to all who have been a part of this place over these past 5 years.”
O’Hara also owns O’Hara’s Public House, an Irish pub, just a few doors down at 131 E. Main St. That business remains open.
The announcement about O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe’s closing drew a big reaction on social media, with the Facebook post garnering more than 600 reactions and more than 500 comments as of Monday morning.
The bakery has been one of a number of restaurants and bars that have helped transform downtown Lexington in recent years. Popular downtown eateries include O’Hara’s Public House, Keg Cowboy, Bodhi Thai Dining, Groucho’s Deli, Barrio, Craft Axe Throwing, Cribb’s, Bubba’s Biscuit, Libby’s, and Nicky’s Pizzeria. There are also a host of stores, such as Craig Reagin Clothiers and The Kindred Boutique, among others. The Icehouse Amphitheater remains a busy venue, and TakoSushi just opened a new location at Main and Church streets.