Sweet Lady Jane’s closure was a bitter pill for many but the business may yet survive after cryptic social media posts and physical signs at several stores suggest the company is poised for a comeback. Over the New Year holiday, Sweet Lady Jane announced it had closed all locations and ceased operations.
Founded by Jane Lockhart in 1988 on Melrose, the company grew into a Los Angeles institution with six stores throughout the area. The company was known for its signature dish, a Triple Berry Cake, and became a go-to for celebrity events as much as it was for regular birthdays, anniversaries and special events. However, a steady decline in business doomed the bakery.
“We did not come to this decision lightly nor quickly. While the support and loyalty of our customers has been strong, sales are not enough to continue doing business in the state of California, allowing us to service our lease obligations and pay our treasured employees a living wage without passing those costs directly on to you,” said a statement posted online.
While the company’s website still has the closing message up, it’s social media pages suggest a reopening.
“Can you taste it? Get ready: Encino, Calabassas, Beverly Hills, Larchmont, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood,” reds a post on Instagram from Monday.
Signs at the stores also say the company plans to reopen and is hiring new managers.
“We are delighted that we will be opening again soon, but we will need some people to help us!” says the note attached to the door of the Montana location.
While the reopening was welcomed by some on social media, others said the company should rethink its plans given news of disputes over payment of past employees.
Following the shocking closure, the company was accused of wage theft. Former employees filed a class action lawsuit alleging the company did not compensate workers for hours worked, overtime and for missed meals/breaks. The company denied all such allegations and the case is still ongoing.
matt@smdp.com
