Julien’s Bakery Closing After More Than Three Decades
CHESTER—One of Chester’s best-known family businesses is closing up shop after almost 33 years in business.
Julien’s Bakery is closing its doors as owners Didier Julien and Laura Mulrooney get set to retire.
“Baking is an art and a science, but it is also a physically demanding vocation and the Frenchman and I are ready for a quieter chapter,” Mulrooney said in a Feb. 1 statement posted to social media.
“Many folks look forward to retirement but for me and Didier this is a difficult day.”
Julien’s has been credited with popularizing French breads and pastries across Nova Scotia.
Julien came to Halifax from France in 1984 on a six-month contract and never looked back.
He and Mulrooney opened the café in the late 80s in Chester. By the early 90s they were selling their baked good at the Halifax Brewery Market, and they eventually opened a physical location in the city.
Over the years the family business expanded even further, selling at farmers markets, grocery stores, and restaurants.
In her statement, Mulrooney says family has been a staple part of the business. Her mom and her and Julien’s kids have been part of the business for years.
“While we made out living making and selling … baked treats, we made a life connecting with people,” she said. “We are so grateful for the support we’ve received over the years – merci, merci, merci.”
Julien’s Halifax location has been independently owned since 2011. However, Julien’s in Chester will keep supplying it with bread and baked goods until March 31.
Julien’s will also stop selling at the Lunenburg Farmer’s market on March 31, and the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market on April 2.
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