Cherished Brooklyn bakery closes its doors after 31 years

MARINE PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- Inside Michael’s Pastry Shop in Marine Park, Brooklyn, staff members carefully smoothed the last layer of frosting on a cake—one of thousands made over the past three decades.

This Sunday, the beloved bakery will shut its doors for good, marking the end of an era for loyal customers who have relied on its Italian pastries for birthdays, holidays, and everyday indulgences.

Owner and Chef Salvatore DiLeonardo, one of the shop’s three owners, reflected on the closure: “It’s been my whole life. We’ve been working for almost thirty-two years.” Known for its cannoli, rainbow cookies, and specialty cakes, Michael’s has been a Marine Park staple since 1994. However, rising costs and unresolved building issues forced the difficult decision to close.

Customers have flooded the shop in its final days, sharing memories and picking up last orders. One longtime patron remarked, “It’s very sad—the end of an era. Hopefully, he’ll find his peace somewhere else, hopefully nearby. It’s a neighborhood staple.”

While the bakery’s closure leaves a void, DiLeonardo isn’t retiring just yet. “I’m going to work across the street at the restaurant and then go from there,” he said. As the final hours wind down, a simple sign at the entrance captures the sentiment: “Thank you for 31 wonderful years."