A niche downtown Galesburg bakery specializing in bagels has permanently closed, citing insufficient daily customer traffic and a recent equipment failure that forced the store to close for 10 days.
Black Market Bagels at 337 E. Main St. announced the closure on April 30, via a Facebook post, ending a three-and-a-half-year run that began in November 2021.
Owner Keith Anderson tells WGIL, “In the end, there just weren’t enough people coming through the door on a daily basis. I had very little cash reserves, and the 10-day closure as a result of an equipment failure sealed the deal.”
The shop, known for its freshly-baked bagels, schmears, and coffee, was a community favorite, often selling out varieties like Asiago and chipotle cheddar.
“I can’t express enough how much I appreciate the loyalty my customers showed me, and how grateful I am for their support and kindness,” Anderson said. “I will miss the wonderful interactions I had with them.”
The closure follows a 2023 effort to expand, when Anderson secured a $10,000 city revolving loan to add staff and equipment, aiming to introduce breakfast sandwiches and improve efficiency. Despite strong community support, Anderson noted the challenges of sustaining the business with limited resources.
