Xiao Bao Bao has announced it will close its Salt Lake City locations. The decision stems from the restaurant’s ongoing financial struggles. The announcement drew an emotional response from patrons.
Xiao Bao Bao is Closing Its Locations This Year
On May 20, Xiao Bao Bao announced that it will be closing its doors permanently. The beloved restaurant shared the announcement via social media. The post read that the restaurant will be closing both Milk Block and downtown locations.
The restaurant will be closing its Milk Block location by the end of this month. The downtown location will close by the end of June. The owners cited financial struggles as the reason behind the closure.
The restaurant specializes in steamed Chinese buns (bao) and has operated for three years. The restaurant’s no-tip model also contributed to the decision, as it proved financially unsustainable for the independent operator.
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Patrons React to the News
The message on social media shows Xiao Bao Bao’s gratitude towards the community that supported it throughout these years. The post reflected on the restaurant’s time in operation, noting that the financials ultimately did not work out. It also shares the owners’ plans during this transition.
The owners will now open for longer hours, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They will shift the full menu to the downtown location, which will close next month. They plan to increase their stock of frozen bao for customers to grab before the closure.
The owners will also complete any catering and event commitments that have already been made. They will continue to serve the community until the closing date and hope to meet their guests one last time. In response, community members filled the comments with messages of support and disappointment.
One Instagram user wrote, “Nooo!!! This economy sucks right now, and I hate to see beloved restaurants leave us. See you down the road hopefully.”
Another user inquired about future plans, writing, ” Sorry to hear this. Enjoyed your Char Shu Bao’s. Any chance you’ll have a food truck or sell your Bao’s at Farmers Markets?”
“Thankful downtown location is still able to be open! I’ll be seeing you for lunch soon!” wrote another user.
Xiao Bao Bao prepares to close its doors in the coming weeks, with customers continuing to visit ahead of its final day of service.
