Sweet Sorrows -- Cake Bar Shutters After Final Day in Business

Some 10 years after first taking over the location, the owners of the Cake Bar have thrown in the towel – but not because of Covid or any specific business challenges, notes co-owner Michael Callahan. “It was just time,” he says.

Started originally around the precocious culinary talents of son Alec, Michael and his wife Joanne, worked together to build the business noted for its top-notch pastries and coffee and tea service, with their son.

According to the Cake Bar website, after graduating high school, Alec started at Le Cordon Bleu in Cambridge, MA, graduating with honors and did an externship at Oishii, one of the top sushi restaurants in Boston. Alec later worked at “3” Restaurant in Franklin, MA working with executive chef Chad Terry. Later, Alec opened The Confection Addiction, making homemade gummy candies and French macaroons. When the opportunity to take over the Cake Bar location came up, Alec and family jumped on it.

Today, explains his father, with his long-term interest in becoming chef at a top, full-service restaurant, Alec has moved on to ThreeV – an upscale dining establishment in Plymouth.

Michael and Joanne insist it has been a great run and one they have enjoyed. Best of all, a long-time employee and her husband – not identified at this point – plan to take over the location, leased from Dean College, and build a “fine dining” restaurant.

And someday, perhaps another Callahan will helm a future eatery in Franklin. Dad Michael points out that other Callahan children are also pursuing culinary careers. So, what’s for supper, and who’s cooking?