Flying Apron Will Close Its Flagship Fremont Location Due To Rising Rent
Seattle's long-standing vegan and gluten-free cafe, Flying Apron, will close its flagship Fremont location by September 30th, and will not renew its lease.
After 13 years in Seattle's quirky "center of the universe", the cafe had fit right into this colorful neighborhood with its "odd" concept of plant-based, gluten-free baked goods.
Just blocks away from the Fremont Troll, locals and tourists alike have fallen in love with the cafe. Most notably, their cinnamon rolls, pies, and scones.
The cafe has been a saving grace for many with dairy and gluten allergies, as well.
But the proposed lease, set to begin October 1st, 2020, was just too high of a cost for the cafe to keep its doors open.
Flying Apron Will Close Fremont Location, But West Seattle Will Remain Open
"We'll be moving everything we do to our West Seattle location," the owners announced on social media in late June.
"The move is risky - we have no clue who will follow. But unfortunately, it is a must. We simply cannot afford to continue where we are.
"Our lease is renewing in October and the rate is just not in line with our ability to pay nor with this particular business model.
"In order to make it through the new "normal" we feel it necessary to consolidate operations and cut costs as much as possible - this means slimming down the business."
So When Will Flying Apron Close It's Fremont Cafe? That's Up To Customers
Flying Apron's current lease in Fremont ends September 30th, but their official closing date could come much sooner.
"We can only remain open as long as we have business and we can only justify our business if we have enough sales."
Downsizing and consolidation should help, but it's not a guaranteed success.
"We need our community - more than ever right now, as sales even at a consolidated location still won't cover our costs of operations as-is," the owners noted.
"We cannot guarantee that this move will save the business - but have agreed to continue the fight to try - it’s the best we can do."
How You Can Help
Share this article, stop in for a coffee and a snack, order a whole pie or get a custom vegan cake from Flying Apron for your next family birthday or special occasion.