It appears the sun has set for Golden Hour Bake House, just over a year after the business opened a brick-and-mortar location. Customers of the downtown bakery and café discovered the doors locked on Saturday, Feb. 28, with no signage posted to explain the closure during regular business hours. While the business closed for a planned winter break in January and on other occasions due to being short-staffed, previous closures were always announced and explained on Golden Hour’s social media accounts. However, both the business and personal social media accounts for owner Alli Donaldson were deleted on Sunday, March 1.
Donaldson signed a lease for the space at 11 W. Old State Capitol Plaza in the summer of 2024 after announcing plans to open a brick-and-mortar location following her success at the Old Capitol Farmers Market. While she was initially known for her baked goods, particularly the gluten-free and allergen friendly items, Golden Hour Bake House was more of a café, offering a full breakfast and lunch menu.
Donaldson was one of three recipients of the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, which awarded $20,000 each to entrepreneurs who wanted to open a business downtown. After delays related to the Adams Street fire and renovations, Golden Hour officially opened Feb. 8, 2025. Ben Call, a commercial broker with The Real Estate Group and co-owner of the property, confirmed to SBJ that Golden Hour’s lease is not up until August 2027.
Donaldson did not respond to an inquiry from SBJ seeking comment and a former employee also declined to comment, saying she would defer to Donaldson to provide more information.
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