Old Town's Twisted Baker Shutters, Plans Relocation

After almost seven years in their Old Town space, The Twisted Baker closed over the weekend.

It wasn't competition that caused the shutter, said co-owner Lisa Alexander. Despite new businesses on Wells Street including La Fournette Bakery & Cafe, Plum Market and Kanela Breakfast Club, it was an inability to agree on a new lease that did The Twisted Baker in. Although already closed for business, they're set to officially vacate the site at 1543 N. Wells St. on Tuesday.

"We really didn't plan on leaving," Alexander said. "This was kind of a sudden occurrence."

Alexander hopes to open a new bakery before Thanksgiving, which is traditionally their busiest time of the year. She's scouted locations in Roscoe Village and Pilsen, where she'd like more space compared to the 12-14 seats at the Old Town bakery. When she opened the bakery, she didn't know how much seating mattered to customers.

"A lot of people would come in, and if there wasn't anywhere to sit, they would just leave," Alexander said.

Most of the cafe's staff, including the two bakers, are expected to make the move with Alexander and co-owner Dr. Douglas Lee.

The Twisted Baker is known for cookies, cakes and other comfort foods, as well a breakfast sandwich served on a chipotle cheddar biscuit with eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese. Meanwhile, customers with catering or special orders can still call the bakery at their normal number. Alexander, a former intensive-care unit nurse, also urges patrons to keep clicking on their Facebook page for updates.

—Ashok Selvam