Dundalk's Herman's Bakery to close after 103 years

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After over a century of serving the Dundalk community, Herman's Bakery and Catering has announced it will be closing its doors for good on March 31. The bakery, which is known for its famous strawberry shortcake and popular Bernie Sanders sugar cookies, cited the decision as coming "with a lot of thought and a very heavy heart" in a social media post thanking loyal customers for their support over the last 103 years.

Why it matters

Herman's Bakery was a beloved institution in Dundalk, Maryland, a working-class suburb of Baltimore. The closure of this long-standing family-owned business marks the end of an era and highlights the challenges facing small, independent bakeries in the face of changing consumer habits and economic pressures.

The details

Herman's Bakery first opened its doors in 1923 and has been a fixture in the Dundalk community ever since. In addition to its famous strawberry shortcake, the bakery's new bestseller in recent years has been a Bernie Sanders sugar cookie. Head baker Larry DeSantis was one of the last people to cross the Key Bridge before it collapsed in 2024, narrowly avoiding being caught up in the disaster.

• Herman's Bakery first opened in 1923.
• The bakery will close its doors for the final time on March 31, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The bakery will serve its final customers on March 31, 2026, marking the end of over a century of operations in Dundalk.