The Ragamuffin is Closing its Storefront

This morning The Ragamuffin Bakery announced that they will be closing their storefront on March 8th. The news of a beloved storefront closing often comes with a heaviness—Oh no, what happened? Another local business couldn’t make it? But for owner Abigail Emmons, this decision isn’t due to financial struggles; it’s an intentional step toward a new chapter.

When Abigail started The Ragamuffin in 2016, it was a solo operation. She baked treats inspired by her grandmother’s recipes and sold them at The South Bend Farmers Market and Circa Arts before opening her storefront at The Hibberd in 2020.

Opening a storefront made sense—demand was growing, and funding for the space came together almost effortlessly. So she dove in.

If you’re a longtime customer of The Ragamuffin, you may remember those early days at The Hibberd, when the line stretched from the door to the back of the parking lot, each of us spaced six feet apart. The little bakery couldn’t keep up with demand, often selling out by mid-morning. So Abigail hired as many people as she could fit into the tiny space, and soon the bakery found its rhythm, keeping up with the steady stream of eager customers.

But in the middle of all this success, Abigail began to feel a disconnect between her dream and reality. The truth is, running a thriving bakery involves far more paperwork, scheduling, and management than actual baking.

“Most of my time is spent making schedules and managing employees,” Abigail shared. “I’m an artist at heart. I miss being able to just be in the kitchen and create like I used to.”

It’s a sentiment many artists share—the constant push to grow and scale can take us further from the craft we love. And yet, growth and scale often feel like the only way to survive.

Thankfully, Abigail saw an opportunity. While business at the storefront was booming, demand for catering was growing just as fast. So much so that two years ago, the storefront reduced its hours to just three days a week to focus on catering. And now, it’s time for a complete shift.

On March 8th, The Ragamuffin will close its storefront and return to its roots. Abigail will take full control of the business, building a commercial kitchen in the basement of her home. She’ll be back in the kitchen—baking, experimenting, and creating.

“I’m just so excited,” she shared. “I’m excited for the freedom.”

While this is an exciting transition for Abigail, there’s still a bittersweetness in saying goodbye to a space that became a cherished part of our weeks. I lived at The Hibberd for three years, and most Saturdays began with a walk downstairs for a cinnamon roll or salted pecan bar. There was something about the warm light, the friendly faces, and, of course, the sugar, that always lifted my spirit.

You may have your own Ragamuffin rituals, and saying goodbye is hard. But rest assured—the bakery isn’t going away, it’s just evolving. You’ll be able to find The Ragamuffin’s treats at Purple Porch Co-Op, Quad Coffee, and Down to Earth. Abigail will also pop up in person at Quad Coffee regularly, and you can always order a box of treats online.

So, this isn’t an ending—it’s a return to what Abigail loves most. And that is something to celebrate.