The Butchers & Bakers, a gluten-free artisan bakery and butcher shop located in downtown Brunswick’s Tontine Mall, permanently closed its doors on Sunday. Since its grand opening earlier this year, the establishment has garnered praise for its friendly atmosphere, commitment to sustainability and entirely gluten-free product selection.

Owners Marissa Stahl-Hodgkins and Steven Campbell posted a heartfelt letter on their website last week to inform customers of the establishment’s closure.

“We have made the tough decision to close our doors because it is no longer financially possible for us to continue to operate properly,” the letter reads. “We want to thank you all, our Mentors, our dedicated Team Members, our Friends and Family, and so many more for your continuous support and positive words. We have been blessed with an incredible experience where we had the opportunity to put smiles on faces everyday.”

For those who require gluten-free diets, the sudden departure of The Butchers & Bakers feels especially disheartening. Ava Grandfield ’24, who has celiac disease, is sad to see the small business go.

“I think it was really great having a dedicated [gluten-free] space where you could go and get a meal, not just a quick, gluten-free snack,” Grandfield said. “And it was so, so good.… It’s just sad that that sort of thing couldn’t sustain itself. I hope that [the owners] find a path somewhere else.”

Despite the difficulties faced, Stahl-Hodgkins and Campbell remain resolute in their advocacy for sustainable, locally-focused consumption.

“While we will miss having the opportunity to provide our products to you after our closure, we hope that you will continue to support our farmers and other local businesses,” they wrote.