A north Macon bakery and coffee shop closes its doors. ‘It’s a sad day for us.’
Homestead Bakery and Coffee in north Macon is closing its doors after just under 11 months in business.
“It’s a sad day for us here at Homstead,” said co-owner Janette Fife.
Fife and her husband Parker moved to Middle Georgia in January from North Idaho to start a new adventure and open the French-inspired bakery and specialty coffee shop after a fire destroyed their home in November 2019.
They opened the doors of their bakery at 3780 Northside Drive, Suite 150, in north Macon on Nov. 30 last year, having delayed their planned opening in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They’re closing their doors for good at the end of the business day Wednesday.
“We were hoping to last a little bit longer and just really show people what we could do,” Janette said. “I know Parker has been dying to get more things out.
“We’ve just been so restricted. So, it’s just a little bittersweet. But we’re still blessed to be here in Macon and be surrounded by such a great community.”
A rise in the cost of goods, issues with suppliers and a difficult economy were just too much for the couple to overcome. They posted their decision to close on Facebook.
“We had some really great, loyal customers,” Janette said. “We really enjoyed ourselves. It’s just I think the timing of it was just not quite right.”
Macon will “definitely’ remain home to the Fifes.
Parker, a veteran, is trained as an emergency medical technician and paramedic while Janette has served as a juvenile corrections officer.
“I think we’re going to try and join the workforce here and figure out what our next step is,” Janette said. “I know there are really great schools here. Graduate school is something I’m definitely looking into.”
Customers remain supportive of the couple.
“I am so sorry to hear this,” Millie Morgan posted on Facebook. “I loved the scones and coffee. You will be missed.”
Amber Marie Merschat posted, “This makes me so sad!! We love this place!”
The bakery and coffee shop was super busy the morning of its last day.
“We’re just grateful that everybody accepted us from day one and even today, it’s been all the way down the door,” Janette said. “We are grateful for all our great customers here, and we’re excited to see where our next adventure is.”
The couple already is considering another venture down the road.
“I think there’s definitely a chance,” Janette said. “Whether it’s a bakery again or a restaurant, I know Parker is always dying to experiment in the kitchen so I don’t think he’ll be staying still for very long.”