‘It’s time for a new chapter.’ Caputo’s Bakery closes after 124 years on Court Street
For over a century, the bakery has been a daily stop for loyal customers who came for Italian bread, pastries and a sense of tradition that many say is hard to replace.
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Caputo's Bake Shop, which has been on Court Street for 124 years across five generations, is shutting down for good.
For over a century, the bakery has been a daily stop for loyal customers who came for Italian bread, pastries and a sense of tradition that many say is hard to replace.
“It’s like family,” one customer said, reacting to the news of the closure.
Others said they’ve been coming to the shop for 78 years, often now bringing their own children and grandchildren.
Outside the bakery, customers lined up to say goodbye to owners James Caputo and his father, John.
James Caputo said the decision to close was difficult, but necessary.
“It was a very tough decision, but I think it’s time for a new chapter in my life,” he said.
He said he has worked nearly every day since taking over the bakery from his father about 25 years ago, often missing family events in the process.
“I sacrificed a lot over the last 25 years,” Caputo said. “Now it’s time to give back to my family.”
Caputo also pointed to changes on Court Street, including a redesign with a protected bike lane, as a factor in the decision.
He was part of a group of business owners that sued the city over the redesign last year. A judge dismissed the case earlier this year.
Business owners have since met with city Department of Transportation officials to raise concerns about traffic flow, parking, loading zones and meter regulations.
A DOT spokesperson said the protected bike lane brings more safety, adding that agency continues to collect data on the corridor and could make adjustments if needed.
Inside Caputo’s, the shelves are empty, the ovens are off, as a piece of Brooklyn history becomes a memory.
