The owners of a long-established bakery in California attribute the closure of their 50-year-old business to a political backlash. Nabloom Bakery & Pizzeria in Berkeley officially shut down on Sunday, with its owners, Julia Elliott and Sabra Stepak, claiming that their outspoken political views—especially criticism of ICE and strong backing for Palestine—led to being banned from Instagram and significantly impacted sales.
Originally, the closure was explained by rising costs of ingredients and utilities. However, the owners now contend that adverse reactions to their political positions played a crucial role in the downfall of their bakery.
In a Facebook post, they highlighted how their “Defund the Police” mural and “Teach Palestine” poster outside the shop sparked controversy and negative attention. They noted that their Instagram account was barred after they shared a story showing a BART train marked with an anti-ICE sentiment.
Sales reportedly took a 20% hit following their removal from Instagram, as the owners assert that the backlash escalated with online calls for a boycott, particularly related to their positions against zoning changes.
The bakery also faced difficulties in meeting customer demands, as many employees struggled with the cost of living in Berkeley, which contributed to a high turnover rate. They attempted to counteract this by raising prices, but the overall revenue remained stagnant, increasing the financial strain.
Nabloom began as a worker collective in 1976, encountering serious financial issues in 2004 and again in 2015. After a brief closure, Elliott and Stepak took over, clearing debts and transitioning it to private ownership.
After announcing the closure, the bakery enjoyed a strong outpouring of support from its community, resulting in long lines and sold-out pastries during its final days.
Now, the owners express hope that someone “young and energetic” might take over their beloved bakery. They reflect on their journey, stating they aimed to create an authentic neighborhood bakery that allowed everyone to be true to themselves. Ending on a sentimental note, they express pride in their long-standing contribution to the Berkeley community.
