Billy’s Bakery closes after more than 20 years in Fairfield
FAIRFIELD — A Fairfield bakery closed its doors for the final time this weekend after more than two decades of business.
Billy’s Bakery on Black Rock Turnpike shut down Sunday, according to a Facebook post from the business. The bakery has been open since 2001, specializing in “European-style artisan breads, pastries and desserts,” according to its website.
“On this last day, we urge all customers to remember that behind every counter are people who invest their hearts and time to be away from their families, whether it’s sweeping floors to paperwork, individuals who often sacrifice family time and vacations, ultimately caring for customer satisfaction and serving the community to return to their favorite local business,” the bakery’s Facebook post reads.
The shop appeared empty Monday with bare shelves and a “closed”
sign plastered to the bakery’s front door.
The bakery’s website states the business drew its inspiration froma family of “bread enthusiasts,” especially Bill Hollis, who sold the shop after 17 years to a real estate agency named Kleban Ventures in 2018. Owner Mariola Boruch-Karwacki bought the bakery that year, according to Connecticut Secretary of the State records.
The bakery, which struggled with health inspections during its roughly final year, racked up seven of the most critical health violations the Health Department recognizes during an inspection in September, leading all Fairfield business’ with the tally. The inspector found ants crawling on food in a case of croissants and ant killer stored with food products in the restaurant, according to inspection records. The business also failed a pair of inspections last year under the previous system of mandatory health checks.
Melissa Soricelli, a sanitarian with the Health Department, said the department was unaware of the cause behind the business’ closure.
“Forgive the errors and mistakes that inevitably happen,” the post states. “It’s not because we don’t care, but sometimes mistakes unfortunately occur in this line of business. Life is a learning process, even in businesses.”
It’s unclear if the post is referring to the health inspections.