Baked In Brick, a popular pizza restaurant in Digbeth's Custard Factory, is set to close its doors on Sunday, August 2, after eight years of operation. Owner Lee Desanges announced the closure, citing the challenging environment for the hospitality industry.
Closure Details
The restaurant, which started as a pizza venture from the back of a modified Mini Cooper, grew into a standalone shop and later expanded to include 'Bakehouse' cafes across Birmingham. The Digbeth location is the only one affected; the Bakehouse cafes will continue operating as usual.
Desanges shared the news with customers on social media, writing: "After eight wonderful years it is time to fire up the pizza oven for one last time. I will be saying farewell to my much-loved restaurant at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, my last pizza slinging day will be Sunday, August 2."
Owner's Statement
Desanges expressed gratitude to his team and customers: "I would like to say a huge thank you to my wonderful team past and present, I would not have been able to achieve everything I have without you! I would also like to say a huge thankyou to everyone who has dined with us over the last eight years, knowing that you have chosen my little pizza restaurant for all your lovely and special occasions has always meant so much to me!"
He assured fans that this is not the end for Baked In Brick, adding: "Fear not this is not the end of Baked In Brick we have some very exciting plans in the pipeline. My sister sites 'The bakehouse' will remain open for all your bakery needs. I'd love to see you again for one last time before we close to munch on our amazing pizzas. Much love, Lee."
Community Reaction
The closure has drawn reactions from the local community. Independent Birmingham, a champion of small city businesses, wrote: "Really sorry to hear this mate, it’s so tough out there for hospitality right now. Wishing you all the best for the future." Customer Khela Baxter commented: "So sorry to read this! Absolutely loved you at Digbeth Dining Club, and was fortunate enough to have eaten at your restaurant a few times. Can’t wait to see what you do next!" Another fan, CallMeKimHQ, said: "Oh man, best pizza in town! I’m so sorry to see you go!"
Context of Closures
Baked In Brick is the tenth restaurant to announce its closure in Birmingham since Simpsons chef Andreas Antona warned of a forthcoming 'avalanche' of closures in the hospitality sector. The other nine closures have been reported earlier, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the industry.
