Utah-based bakery and cafe chain pulls out of the KC market, saying ‘sales are dismal’

Utah-based chain Kneaders Bakery & Cafe has pulled out of the Kansas City market.

Kneaders entered the market in 2017 and soon had three locations: 621 E. Markey Parkway, Belton; 800 N.E. Coronado Drive, Blue Springs; and 12180 Blue Valley Parkway, Overland Park.

Spokesman Kelly Conroy said “sales are dismal at the moment” due to the COVID-19 shutdown. The company hopes to return to the market in a “number of years.” It also closed its Wichita location.

Kneaders offered made-from-scratch breads and 42 different freshly baked pastries, soups, sandwiches and salads. It also had a retail area. It currently has about 55 locations.

One customer responded to the closings with the post: “They did NOT underperform. We simply were staying home - they had great food and service. We let them down.”

This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 1:20 PM.