Brown’s Bakery Bloomfield Street Cleveland sold to new owner

After 16 years the owners of an iconic Cleveland bakery will pass the baton amid growing health concerns, marking the end of an era for their beloved establishment.

Iconic Cleveland bakery passes the baton due to tragic circumstances

The owners of one of the Bayside’s most iconic eateries are set to pass on the baton after 16 years serving the community.

Ken and Lesley Brown, 67 and 68, of Brown’s Bakery on Bloomfield St, Cleveland have announced their business closure due the deteriorating health of their daughter and the bakery’s sole baker, 42-year-old Jo Brown.

Lesley Brown said she had always been “overwhelmed” by the character of her customers and would greatly miss the relationships she had made.

“Ken and I are fine, we are just getting older,” Mrs Brown said.

“Jo is our beautiful daughter and the sole baker of all the wonderful bread and scones.

“Jo has had myocarditis (inflammation of a heart muscle) for more than nine years caused by a flu virus.

Ken Brown and Brown's Bakery staff.

“Despite having a defibrillator fitted and the care of the amazing cardiologists at the PA Hospital, her condition is worsening and she has been told she needs a heart transplant,” she said.

Mrs Brown said Jo cannot continue to work despite her “never give-up attitude”.

“She is the strongest person I know,” Mrs Brown said.

“We have found a new buyer who will continue what we have started and look after our absolutely amazing customers who have become our friends,” she said.

Brown’s Bakery is best known for their tasty meat pies, smiley face tarts, creamy pastries and quality coffee.

Mrs Brown said she was unsure of what made her business so special.

“We don’t do anything different, but we are just ourselves and we have formed so many close connections with our customers over the years,” Mrs Brown said.

Brown’s Bakery is best known for their tasty meat pies, smiley face tarts, creamy pastries and quality coffee.

“We know the demographic around Cleveland is mostly the elderly and it is so sad to see them getting older.

“The positive responses we have received never ceases to amaze me,” she said.

Mrs Brown said she is unsure of when her last day at the bakery will be, but is looking forward to retiring with her husband.

“At this point we have no idea what we will be doing but we are focused on providing the best care for Jo,” Mrs Brown said.

“We are excited to spend more time with the family,” she said.