Clock Tower Bakery & Cafe in downtown Overland Park, known for its housemade pastries and English-style afternoon tea parties, announced it will close for good this weekend.
- In an announcement on the shop’s Facebook page, Clock Tower’s owners said the decision to close “wasn’t easy, but it is time for us to retire.”
Closing details: Located at 7911 Santa Fe Dr., the shop has been closed to the public this week as it undergoes a liquidation sale.
- But it will reopen this Friday and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, so customers can have a chance to enjoy one last macaron or croissant and use up any gift certificates.
- All afternoon tea parties booked for those two days will also be honored, according to the Facebook announcement.
Key quote: “Thank you to all of the customers and employees, it could not have been what it was without your support and love,” the Facebook announcement said.
Community support: Clock Tower’s announcement has been met with sadness and understanding online.
- “Heartbroken to hear this!” Jennifer Blank commented. “My husband and I had our first meaningful date here! You are such a treasure to the Kansas City community! Everyone deserves to retire though; hope your retirement is joy filled!”
- Another resident, Bee Lanning, wrote, “You have been a wonderful asset. I wish you well as you move on into a much deserved retirement.”
Background: Current owner Teresa Gebbett first began working at the Clock Tower Bakery after moving to the United States with her husband and children in 2006, according to the Kansas City Star.
- She later purchased the bakery from its previous owners in May 2014 and added British-inspired options to the menu, such as shortbread, scones and sausage rolls, and also began hosting afternoon tea parties.
What’s next for the bakery
In the announcement, the company noted another bakery will be moving into the space at the start of 2023.
- According to city documents, the bakery taking over will be boutique confection company Kate Smith Soirée, which has a current location at 8750 Penrose Ln. in Lenexa.
- The permit, issued at the start of December, says, “We will be operating under the name Clock Tower Bakery for the month of December then moving to a new brand ‘Kate Smith Soiree.'”
