Hagabakari Bakery in Breiðholt to Close

For decades, Hagabakari has been more than just a bakery; it has been a cornerstone of the Breiðholt community in Reykjavík. Now, as owners Benedikt Hjartarson and Gunnar Gunnarsson approach their seventies, they have made the difficult decision to close its doors. This isn't just the end of a business; it's the end of an era for a neighborhood that has relied on Hagabakari for its daily bread and, famously, its unique kleinuhringir (doughnuts).

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We are both nearing seventy and it's just enough.

The closure, expected around Pentecost, signifies the loss of the last traditional bakery in Breiðholt. While other establishments might offer baked goods, they lack the on-site baking that made Hagabakari a true community hub. The owners' sentiment, that "it's just enough" after years of dedicated service, resonates with the feeling of a long chapter closing.

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We have sold bread and cakes to people but are most famous for our kleinuhringir which are second to none.

This story, reported in Morgunblaðið, highlights a common thread in many communities: the aging of small business owners and the challenges of succession in traditional trades. The departure of Hagabakari leaves a void, not just in terms of baked goods, but in the social fabric of Breiðholt, a sentiment likely shared by its loyal customers.

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There is no baking there, it's just a coffee shop.