Dream Bakery, a locally owned business operating from inside Malone Specialty Coffee at 14735 Bratton Lane, Ste. 210, Austin, will close Aug. 26 after serving its customers for six years. The business carries gluten-free products, including pastries, desserts, cakes and savory items. Owner Karen Fry cited the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of running a business, supply issues and labor shortages as reasons for the closure.

“There's a lot of small local businesses that are struggling right now. And especially [for] restaurants and small food businesses and other bakeries—the cost of goods has gone up so dramatically,” said Fry, who has owned the business since 2016.

Since its closing announcement, Fry said the bakery has been overwhelmed with volunteer requests from customers and other bakeries to help in any way they can as the business goes through its last days.

Plans for the future are uncertain as the business requires a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Customers who have scheduled order deliveries after Aug. 26 can contact the bakery and work directly with manager and head cake decorator Darlyn Menard, who will continue to operate on her own and will fulfill the orders already in, according to the bakery's website.

Dream Bakery is looking at options to continue serving the gluten-free community and will be open Aug. 24-26 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or until it sells out for in-person orders only.

Local businesses are struggling because of rising costs, “so if there is another small local business view, enjoy; please go support them now,” Fry said.