Helms Bakery, the historic Los Angeles staple that reopened last year, has announced it will permanently close. The owners say rising costs and the tough restaurant climate in Los Angeles have made it hard to stay open. The bakery will close on December 14.
Helms Bakery to Close Soon
The original Helm’s Bakery began its journey in 1931 as a door-to-door baked goods delivery service. The bakery was shut down in 1969 due to rising costs and the introduction of mass-produced supermarket bread.
In 2024, Chef Sang Yoon reopened the Helms Bakery on Helms Avenue aiming to preserve the landmark bakery’s charm. The bakery served sky-high cakes, delicious pies, fresh sourdough baguettes, and pastries, all paired beautifully with its freshly brewed coffee.
Sharing the heartbreaking news of its closure, Chef Yoon wrote in an Instagram post, “I’m sharing that Helms Bakery will be closing at our current location.”
Yoon wrote a nostalgic note and stated, “The original Helms Bakery opened in Culver City in 1931 and became an L.A. icon, known for its yellow delivery trucks and daily fresh bread.”
He shared that the bakery was reopened in November 2024 to provide a legendary baked goods experience to the community.
“I’ve been incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to share with our community, and it’s been an honor to see this place come alive again,” Yoon wrote.
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Closure Comes Amid Tough Economic Situation for Independent Restaurants
Chef Yoon cited ongoing economic struggles and challenges faced by the LA restaurant industry are the reason for this shutdown.
“It makes me very sad to share that we’ll be closing our doors at our current location. The last several years in Los Angeles have brought immense challenges for independent restaurants and changed how people dine and how businesses operate,” Chef Yoon said.
The restaurant concluded with a note of gratitude. ”We are deeply grateful for this chapter and for everyone who has supported us, shared a pastry with a friend, or made us part of their routines and celebrations,” said the restaurant.
As LA’s dining landscape continues to struggle due to uncertainty, Helms Bakery found it difficult to operate. Though the bakery is closing, its brief revival helped introduce the historic brand to a new generation.
