Sky River Bakery in Monroe set to close

Sky River Bakery in Monroe will close on July 13 after 38 years, primarily due to rising ingredient and labor costs. Current owner Rick Leng has struggled with these financial pressures since taking over the bakery nearly five years ago. He expressed fatigue and a desire to pass the business on to someone else. Local business owners have reported that profit margins in the food industry have dropped significantly, with Washington State experiencing margins as low as 1. 5%.

Leng maintained prices to support customers but faced unsustainable operational costs. The bakery's closure leaves a gap in downtown Monroe, as no other storefront bakery currently exists. Local business owners have rallied to support Leng and his employees during this transition. The original founders of the bakery started the business in 1987, and Leng hopes to find a successor to continue its legacy.