Framingham Baking Company, the Waverly Street bakery known across MetroWest for its square, tray-style pizza slices, closed for good on Sunday after 109 years in business. Loyal customers waited in long lines to grab final trays, boxes and loaves as the family-run shop sold its last orders, with the third-generation owners saying they could not find anyone to take over and chose to turn off the ovens for the last time.
Last Day and Farewells
According to CBS Boston, the bakery announced the end on Facebook with a simple message: "That's a wrap!" Owner Joan Thomas told the station, "We're closing today after 109 years in business." CBS reported that crowds lined up around the block as staff hustled to get out those final slices and trays.
Four Generations, Same Recipe
The Waverly Street shop traces its roots to 1917, when three Italian immigrants opened what would become a MetroWest institution, as reported by The Boston Globe. The bakery's website notes that its bread, rolls and sheet pizzas are made "from scratch and by hand" and lists the Framingham address as 840 Waverly St.
Why It Closed
Siblings Joan, Ernie and Kathy, the current owners, told local outlets they were ready to retire and had been searching for "good stewards" to continue operations but could not find a successor, according to NBC Boston. The family had previously pushed back on shutdown rumors while they were still looking for buyers, but ultimately set March 29 as the final day.
Community Sendoff
The last week turned into a neighborhood goodbye. The bakery reportedly sold hundreds of sheet pizzas in short order, and customers said they drove in from other towns to stock up, per WCVB. In addition to its Waverly Street location, the company had supplied stores in Holliston, Natick and Marlborough, giving fans a few remaining places to find its products as the shop's own kitchens cleared out.
Earlier Coverage
Hoodline first covered the closure announcement in February in our earlier look at the bakery's final chapter, which outlined the family's long history and the owners' search for a successor. We'll update this story if the family or town announces any plans for the Waverly Street building or the bakery's recipe legacy.
