Tucson bakery closing after 90 years

Le Cave’s Bakery, a Tucson institution for 90 years, is closing for good at the end of business Sunday, Feb. 23.

The final word on the bakery that served generations of Tucsonans came Monday morning in a social media post:

“With a heavy heart we announce Le Cave’s Bakery will be closing its doors this Sunday, February 23, or sooner depending on remaining supplies and staffing,” it said. “Thank you for your support over the years. It’s been a pleasure serving you!”

Naomi Pershing, who owns the bakery with her husband Chris, said in a text message that health issues and “the rapid rise in food and labor costs over the last few years has created an unsustainable situation” that led to the decision to close.

“Perhaps we can return if and when conditions improve,” she added. “Perhaps someone else in the community gets inspired to acquire the recipes and continue the tradition. Time will tell. Until then, thank you Tucson for all the love and support over the years.”

The Pershings bought Le Cave’s in spring 2018 from then-owner Rudy Molina Jr., who sold them the recipes but not the 6,960-square-foot building at 1219 E. Sixth Ave. The building had fallen into dramatic disrepair, which led to a series of failed health department inspections and the county ultimately closing it down.

In August 2018, the Pershings resurrected Le Cave’s in a former Jack-in-the-Box restaurant at 3950 E. 22nd St.

Basil Le Cave opened the bakery in 1935, creating donuts that used vegetable oil and potato flour instead of eggs and dairy products. The result was chewy, light, slightly sweet donuts that earned generations of loyal followers from all over the city.

The shop also specialized in cakes and Mexican pastries.

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News of the closing generated a rush of sentiments on the store’s Facebook page, most of them saying they were sad.

“This breaks my heart,” Lorie Anderson Caballero wrote. “The best in town and the only place to get frosted, egg-free, raised donuts.”

“I will miss your delectable vegan donuts and friendly and kind contribution to the community,” said Kathi Michaels.

April Black Kreft said she would “always treasure my very first bakery birthday cake in 1977 — Miss Piggy in purple.”

“So very sad. You will be missed,” wrote Jaimee D’Angelo Sullivan. “You ARE Tucson.”

There also were comments from customers who said the prices, topping $2.50 for a single glazed or frosted donut, had gotten too high, and others complaining about poor service and inconsistent hours of operation.

The original Le Cave’s building has been home to Mendez Bakery and Tortillas since summer 2019.