Community fumes as Winston Hills Mall evicts Classic Bakery after 28 years

A Sydney mall has been slammed for ending the lease of a much-loved local bakery after almost three decades to make way for a Bakers Delight store.

A suburban Sydney community is fuming over a shopping centre’s decision to evict an decades-old bakery to make way for a Baker’s Delight.

Locals held onto hope last week as Classic Bakery, which has called Winston Hills Mall home for almost 30 years, petitioned to overturn a decision by management to cancel its lease.

Thousands signed a petition urging the western Sydney mall to reconsider its decision.

Classic Bakery owners, Van and Tina Huynh received the groundswell of local support last week after revealing they were told to vacate the shop by February 9.

A red sign adorned the bain-marie.

It read: “Sorry, we’re closing down”.

Classic Bakery has been asked to vacate the premises by February 9 by the management of Winston Hills Mall.

“Building management has decided not to renew our lease. Unfortunately, we had no say in this decision.

“Our last day of business will be on the 9th of February. “It has been a pleasure serving you and this community for the last 28 years.”

However, the mall has reaffirmed its decision.

“Following discussions and negotiations with the owners of Classic Bakery Winston Hills, management at Winston Hills Mall have announced the departure of the Classic Bakery from the Mall on February 9, 2024,” management said in a statement.

Locals had launched a petition to save the bakery, which received strong support from the community, but the mall reaffirmed its decision.

“Privacy and commercial terms are in confidence, constraining any further comment on the matter.

“As a top-performing national sub-regional shopping centre, Winston Hills Mall has a history of supporting its retailers and providing advice and assistance.

“Management and the Landlord wish to thank Mr and Mrs Huynh for their commitment and support of the Winston Hills community and its local centre.

“We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.”

The statement, posted to Winston Hills Mall’s social media, garnered hundreds of comments expressing disappointment with the mall.

“What a shame. You haven’t listened to what the community want, the community who go to your mall and keep it afloat,” one local shopper responded.

The closure of Classic Bakery comes as Baker’s Delight confirms a return to the mall in 2024, leading to speculation about a link between the two events.

“It is very disappointing to hear that our community shopping mall does not care for the opinions of its customers on keeping such a longstanding and well-loved store,” lamented another.

Another local woman said Classic Bakery was an “anchor tenant” for them, stating it was the “sole reason I came to the centre and spent money with other retailers.”

The closure comes as Australian-owned multinational chain Baker’s Delight confirms a return to the mall in 2024 – with many speculating about a link between that and Classic Bakery’s closure.

“It’s unfortunate that you’ve chosen a large franchise over a small local business that has been loyal for over two decades,” one added.