Mount Pleasant locals continue to mourn the closing of Heller’s Bakery, which closed this past December the 28th. Founded in 1928, Heller’s Bakery remained to be a Mount Pleasant cultural icon throughout its many years in business. On weekday and weekend mornings, customers could expect to wait in long lines to order their breakfast. Too many times I have woken up late on a weekend and went to Heller’s only to find most of their baked goods already sold. Despite what appeared to be a successful business, the bakery owner and his landlord could not come to a leasing agreement following some late rent checks.
Located in the heart of the neighborhood on Mt. Pleasant Street, Heller’s was one of the oldest bakeries in Washington. The original sign still stands tall above the street. The Heller’s Bakery storefront letters and the interior décor made you feel as if you were in the 50s’. Inside it was casual and comforting, which made it an ideal bakery for either picking up on the go or for eating there.
Having grown up going to New York many a time, I was spoiled with delicious bagels. Moving to Washington without a promise of top-notch bagels was an adjustment for me. So when I found Heller’s Bakery, I was ecstatic. Heller’s had the best bagels in Washington. Their chocolate chip muffins and strawberry and cheese croissants were some of my other favorites. All of their food was reasonably priced as well. I ordered a homemade pumpkin pie this past Thanksgiving from Heller’s for only $7.
Not all the news is bad, though. Heller’s website says that you can still place an order online or by calling them. The owner has said he is looking for a new location and wants to modernize the look of it. The question is: will the new Heller’s hold up to the standards of the longtime Heller’s on Mt. Pleasant Street?
-SDM (Samantha)
