Essen Bakery permanently closes its two locations

Essen Bakery has reportedly closed for good, following a monthslong pause that left employees in the dark.

Tova du Plessis, co-owner of the acclaimed business, told the Inquirer that she and her husband Brad had permanently shuttered their locations in South Philadelphia and Norris Square. The couple is considering filing for bankruptcy after several plans to relaunch collapsed, she added. Du Plessis, an alum of Zahav, received James Beard Award nominations for outstanding baker four times during the bakery's run from 2016 to 2025. Essen specialized in Jewish breads and pastries like challah, babka and rugelach. MORE: School District of Philadelphia reaches new contract with its principals union

Tova and Brad du Plessis did not immediately respond to request for comment.