A beloved bakery that had been in business for almost 80 years appears to have suddenly closed, much to the despair of heartbroken locals.
Morris Bakery in Naracoorte, about three and a half hours drive south of Adelaide on South Australia’s limestone coast has been closed all week.
The once thriving business established in 1946 in the Smith Street district had been struggling for some time, although no official announcement of the bakery’s closure has been made.
The bakery is located in a once-busy shopping area now described as a “ghost town” with mass closures and empty stores.
Increased competition from nearby bakeries has also contributed to the store’s decline.
Morris Bakery on the main street of Naracoorte has been an institution for almost 80 years
Morris Bakery (pictured, a menu item) has been closed all week, sparking speculation that it has closed its stores.
READ MORE: Iconic American fast food chain reveals plans to open hundreds of stores in Australia
American franchise Wendy’s plans to open its first store in Australia. The fast food chain first opened in Ohio on November 15, 1969.
Morris Baker was once famous for having the best donuts, pastries, fresh bread, danishes, and sandwiches in town.
The company used to supply bread and many other delicacies to dozens of local businesses and organisations, including local schools and football clubs.
Businesses as far as the Victorian border also placed catering orders with the bakery at the height of the business.
Locals used to line up outside the front door to order fresh rolls and salads at the much-loved sandwich bar that was adored by young and old alike.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Morris Bakery for comment.
Locals mourned the loss of the bakery and took to social media to express their disappointment.
‘Very sad indeed. “It was such a dynamic and successful business that was so iconic to our city and our districts for many years,” one person said.
‘It is very sad to see another business close its doors, after such great service to Naracoote, for so many years. The Morris family can hold their heads high,” wrote another.
Other sad locals say the bakery’s closure is another dent in the street’s history.
According to locals, the bakery (pictured) had been struggling to stay open for some time.
“Years of Naracoorte history disappeared,” one of them told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“Main Street is starting to look like a ghost town.”
However, others claimed that the quality of Morris Bakery’s once-iconic treats had dropped in recent years.
Smith Street, once known as a retail hub, had seen several businesses, including food stores in the area, close in recent years, leading to a decline in the number of shoppers and diners visiting the area.
The local newsagent closed several years ago and florist Naracoote Flowers and Gifts closed its doors in January this year.
Naracoorte’s Target country store, which was popular with locals for their shopping needs, also closed in 2021.
Morris Bakery was once famous for making the best pies and sandwiches (pictured) in town.