An Asian bakery is closing its Bellefonte location four months after its opening, but its State College shop will continue to operate as usual.
Chew Chew Bun’s final day at 141 W. High St. in Bellefonte will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22, according to an announcement posted Thursday on the Taiwanese-inspired bakery and coffee shop’s social media accounts and website.
“This decision was not made lightly,” the post stated. “While we’ve enjoyed serving Bellefonte, it’s become clear that closing this chapter will allow us to focus on the sustainability and growth of Chew Chew Bun as a whole.”
After starting out in owner Skye Chang’s home kitchen, Chew Chew Bun opened in the Nittany Mall in 2021 then moved to its popular downtown State College location in 2022. Two years later, Chang announced he was expanding with a second location in Bellefonte at the former home of URBN Coffee Haus and Cool Beans.
The Bellefonte location, though, dealt with staffing challenges that caused it to temporarily close in September.
Chang wrote in a Dec. 5 Facebook post that the Bellefonte shop had experienced “a few hiccups and setbacks” in the early going, and that “it’s clear that the traffic, sales, and predicted trends are far below expectations.” He wrote at the time that he planned to reduce hours, downsize the menu and eventually use the location as a pre-order pickup location, but didn’t plan then for the shop to close, calling it “a pivot toward sustainability and growth for the future.”
On Thursday, he thanked Bellefonte community members for their support during Chew Chew Bun’s brief tenure there.
“Since opening, this community has embraced us with warmth and enthusiasm,” the announcement reads. “Whether you stopped by for your favorite bun, a cup of coffee, or to enjoy the cozy space, you’ve made this experience truly special.”
According to a list of questions and answers accompanying the closing announcement, Chew Chew Bun is not selling the Bellefonte shop’s equipment and will “repurpose the space,” which will not be rented out for events.
For gift cards purchased at the Bellefonte location, the store will offer a limited-time refund by submitting a request until Jan. 31, 2025, on chewchewbun.com/contact.
Chew Chew Bun has no current plans to reopen the Bellefonte store, but still has “several years” remaining on its lease for the High Street spot and did not completely rule out the possibility.
“For now, this is goodbye. However, as with any journey, the future is full of possibilities,” according to the announcement. “While we do not have plans to reopen now, we will cherish the enjoyable memories and connections we’ve made here.”
