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Japonaise Bakery and Cafe, located at 1020 Beacon Street in Brookline, churned out 'kawaii' baked goods and treats until 2021 when the dessert shop closed its doors for renovations.
For fans of the bakery, the wait is almost over after the owner announced via an Instagram post made on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, that he aimed to have the shop open within a month.
"We are doing all the last finishing touches and are so anxious to get back to putting out some yummy creations," owner Takeo Sakan wrote on Instagram.
Sakan started fundraising for the renovations in 2021, garnering tens of thousands of dollars through a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser has received a fresh wave of support since the update announcing that the bakery will open soon.
The almost-finished renovations include new kitchen equipment designed to increase the volume of baked goods the bakery can churn out, a new onigiri machine from Japan, and a completely refinished storefront complete with new flooring, ceiling, lighting, display cases, and custom-built countertops.
The new look is complete with an open-kitchen area where guests can see freshly-baked treats leaving the oven.
"The new setup should lead to a more efficient work area for my employees and a smoother experience for all of you," Sakan said. "I hope you all love the new look as much as I do!"
Sakan apologized for the lack of updates during the bakery's closure.
"For the people that know me, I'm a baker first, businessman second, and social media user never," he wrote.
One of the reasons for the delay in opening, Sakan said, was because of the birth of his first child, a son, and his marriage in Japan.
"From placing orders in advance, to saying a simple “how’s it going” or a “thank you for what you do” when visiting us, there have been so many ways people have expressed their compassion and willingness to help, and we cannot thank you enough," Sakan wrote. "It has definitely kept me going despite some setbacks we faced throughout the years."
Sakan encourages fans of the bakery to keep an eye out on his social media for updates.
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