Fritz Pastry, Vegan-Friendly Lincoln Park Bakery, Announces Closure

Through an impassioned Facebook post, Fritz Pastry owner Jaime Podgorny announced her lauded Vegan-friendly bakery will soon close in Lincoln Park. The closure might come as soon as next week, though Podgorny writes she hopes to keep open for Valentine's Day. She didn't reveal a closing date in the post, but part of the reason for closing, she wrote, was Fritz never succeeded in turning a profit.

"I have worked months without a paycheck, and without being able to make rent," Podgorny wrote. "I did that because I truly love the community we all belong to and the faces of all of you lovelies when you get our pastries."

Fritz moved from Lakeview to the present location in Lincoln Park in 2014. Ownership even launched a Kickstarter campaign to help with the relocation. The bakery has changed hands a couple times before ending up with Podgorny a year ago. Another bakery is in discussions to take over the spot, but she isn't sure if they will offer the same vegan options.

Podgorny wrote that she'll continue to accept catering and special orders ("have mini-fryer will travel") and she eventually wants to write a cookbook. She writes that she understands folks who have dietary restrictions for ethical and health reasons, and that she's frustrated they don't have enough options. She also writes that she's ready to bake for folks of all tastes: "I can obviously accommodate dietary restrictions, but I was classically trained at Kendall College and eat all the things, so I have no limits on what I can and will cook."