Cousin John’s Bakery closed on June 30 after 24 years serving Park Slope. Rising commercial rents were cited as a main reason for the closure.

Cousin John’s Bakery was a fixture at 70 Seventh Avenue in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood for nearly a quarter-century. The bakery was known for classic American pastries and steady local traffic. On June 30, the retail shop closed its doors for the last time.

Owners John and Lisa Romano said their decision to close was driven largely by rising commercial rents. In an interview, they noted that their monthly rent nearly doubled over the last decade, which made continued operations unsustainable. Several neighboring businesses on Seventh Avenue shared similar concerns, pointing to a trend of smaller, independent retailers leaving the area.

The closure of Cousin John’s follows a pattern of longstanding businesses shuttering in Park Slope and other Brooklyn neighborhoods. According to data from the NYC Department of Small Business Services, commercial rent prices in zip code 11215 have climbed by over 35% since 2019. Local business groups have expressed concerns that rising costs are reshaping the neighborhood’s retail landscape.

Longtime customers gathered on the bakery’s final day to say goodbye. Many reflected on the shop’s role as a community space and lamented the pressures facing independent businesses citywide. The bakery’s owners have not announced plans to reopen elsewhere at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Cousin John’s Bakery close?

Cousin John’s Bakery closed on June 30, 2024, after serving the Park Slope community for 24 years. The bakery announced its closure in mid-June, citing economic pressures.

Why did Cousin John’s Bakery shut its doors?

The owners cited rising commercial rents as the main reason for the closure. The rent on their Seventh Avenue store nearly doubled over the past decade, making it difficult to sustain the business.

How have rising rents affected other Park Slope businesses?

Other local business owners have reported similar rent increases, leading to several longtime retailers closing. The trend has raised concerns among local business advocacy groups and neighborhood residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Cousin John’s Bakery in Park Slope close?

Cousin John’s Bakery closed on June 30, 2024, after 24 years in business.

Why did Cousin John’s Bakery shut down?

The owners cited rising commercial rents, which nearly doubled over the past decade, as the main reason for closing.

How long was Cousin John’s Bakery open in Park Slope?

Cousin John’s Bakery operated at 70 Seventh Avenue in Park Slope for 24 years, from 2000 to 2024.

What impact have rising rents had on Park Slope businesses?

Rising rents have led to several longtime retailers, including Cousin John’s Bakery, closing and raised concerns among local business groups.

Are there plans for Cousin John’s Bakery to reopen elsewhere?

The bakery’s owners have not announced any plans to reopen in another location at this time.

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