Local non-profit Richmond bakery Tablespoons Bakery to close down next month

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In a recent announcement on social media, local non-profit bakery, Tablespoons Bakery, has announced it will be closing its doors and its larger non-profit organization over the next month.

The organization said the decision is due to a lack of funding for them to remain in their current space and a rent increase. In addition, the non-profit said that when this happens, they cannot cover the cost to build a new commercial kitchen while covering ongoing costs.

In the post, the non-profit said that in 2025 alone, they have seen their funding essentially disappear as private foundations are short on funds due to the economy, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)-related programs are "being cut or fully paused throughout the country," they said.

Our Leadership Team and Board feel it's time to wrap up the organization. And speaking for myself, Elizabeth, as the founder of Tablespoons, I am also dealing with some ongoing health issues and need the time to address them properly with my medical team. The physical toll of burnout is a very real thing. I'm hoping to reclaim some balance in this particular area of my life after being at the helm of the organization for the past decade. Elizabeth Redford, Tablespoons Bakery Founder

This move comes as the bakery approaches its 10-year anniversary this month, and according to Tablespoons Bakery, since its opening has been dedicated to providing job training, vocational education and supported employment opportunities to young adults with developmental disabilities, for which there is a 70% unemployment rate in Virginia.

Although this business will be closing in the upcoming month, there will still be events and things planned before closing, such as:

• They are still offering their spring internship program, which provides hands-on job training for young adults with developmental disabilities
• They will still be filling and wrapping up custom orders.
• The tri-weekly cookie club is still available, however, they ask that you submit custom orders as soon as possible.
• They will continue to offer some corporate pop-ups and retail days, and will announce changes to the schedule as needed.

Although the bakery plans to conclude all programming and restaurant services by May 10, they are still planning on holding the Dough Si Dough celebration on May 30.

This event will be in conjunction with the celebration of the disability community, and according to the post, the non-profit is inviting the community to come out, dance and share their goodbyes with Tablespoons and Next Move.

For more ticket information, you can email Tablespoon's Brianne Bannister or visit their Instagram.