Sweet Lady Jane bakery in Los Angeles – backed with $2M by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and famed for its yummy Triple Berry Cake  – announces it’s closing all locations after 35 years

Celebrities with a sweet tooth are left with a bitter taste in their mouths after their favorite bakery became the latest victim of California's rising cost of living and inflation, suddenly closing its doors just before New Year's.

Sweet Lady Jane shocked customers Monday in a statement announcing that it has permanently closed after more than three decades in business.

The iconic pastry shop, which first opened its doors on Melrose Ave in 1988 before expanding to six locations in Los Angeles, explained that while sales have been strong, they are not enough to offset rising costs in the state and ' lease obligations' that it entails. did not want to 'pass it on' to his loyal clients.

In a statement posted on Instagram On Monday the bakery said: 'After 35 years we are closing our doors. Our last working day was December 31, 2023.

'We did not come to this decision lightly or quickly. While the support and loyalty of our customers is strong, sales are not enough to continue doing business in the state of California, which allows us to meet our lease obligations and pay our cherished employees a living wage without passing these costs directly to you calculate.

'Over three decades we have not only built a loyal customer base, but also created a true community.

'It was a privilege to be involved in your most beautiful moments. Big and small. LA's most beloved Triple Berry Cake will live on in your memories, and ours.”

Founded by Jane Lockhart in 1988, the dessert shop became a favorite throughout LA and even became the go-to choice for events and weddings for celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift and the Kardashian sisters.

The bakery was a favorite of twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who also did the same invested $2 million in the company in 2014.

The most popular baking item, the Triple Berry Cake, is the favorite birthday cake of Hollywood stars, with celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian and more recently, Kurt Russellposing with the dessert on social media over the years.

Fraser Ross, owner of another iconic Los Angeles business, Kitson Stores, told DailyMail.com that he is not surprised by the closure of the famous candy store.

“One of the Sweet Lady Jane bakeries is just around the corner from our Robertson location.

“Everyone is closing their businesses here because of rampant crime, homelessness, greedy landlords and excessive taxes.

'Those in power in our city and state have created an atmosphere of 'survival of the fittest'. In my twenty-plus years here in LA, I've never seen anything like it. What's next?'

The bakery's post was quickly flooded with comments from celebrities and loyal customers mourning the loss of the store.

Employees were informed of the closure on New Year's Day, according to an email obtained by the LA TV station KTL 5.

The email also explained that employees would receive their regular wages and severance pay through January 5.

“We would like to tell you that we are very grateful for your faithful service,” the message added.

Actress Sophia Bush was among those to react to the news, writing: “This is such a loss for our community. Just… hate this. And I just love you and your company so much. ♥️'

Many also echoed Ross' sentiments, blaming the state leadership for crippling California's economy.

Celebrity esthetician Dionne Phillips wrote: 'Nooooo! Say it is not so! This is devastating! LA, California better do something now before this city becomes 'The Lost City'! All because of the greed of taxes and increasing costs. I won't be able to have this berry cake for so many of our memories! This is so sad for so many reasons! Ugh! Another city-cherished business disappearing in this deteriorating city!'

Mark Ghalili, an LA-based doctor of regenerative medicine and social media personality, added: 'First of many companies to fail in California, greedy landlords won't budge, black rock and vanguard buying every piece of real estate, 25% mandatory tipping, payroll tax, Medicare tax, Social Security tax, 2% city tax, credit card processing fees now at 3-3.5%, additional 1% deducted from each business with gross sales, three liberal employees filing a defamatory lawsuit for money annually, paying for parking wherever you want in LA, it all contributes to the failed business model Governor Newsom is pushing for!”

However, others questioned whether there were other motives behind the bakery's shuttering, with some critics blaming the company for “overexpansion” and not wanting to pay their employees a living wage.

“If you bring up 'having to pay a living wage' to your employees as one of the reasons, you are really showing who the real evil, greedy entity is here.

“Since I'm upset about having to pay $20 an hour because it keeps you from buying another house, I'm leaning towards 'clearance' on this,” one user wrote.

In addition to its main hub in West Hollywood, the bake shop had locations in Encino, Beverly Hills, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica and Larchmont Village at the time of its closure.