Punch Bowl Market and Bakery to close in December

A popular market in Upper Stoney Creek will be closing at the end of the year.

Punch Bowl Market and Bakery announced on Instagram Sunday that after more than two decades of serving the community, the business would be shutting down after Dec. 23.

The post, written by the Baruzza family who run the market, called the move to close the business a difficult decision."

We would like to thank our longtime and our newest customers we have met over these many years," read the post. Many of you have become like family to each of us and we will miss you very much."

The news of the closure comes months after the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) announced it had acquired around 20 hectares of land, including that of the market, to expand the new Saltfleet Conservation Area.

Scott Peck, deputy chief administrative officer for the authority, previously told the Stoney Creek News that the organization had planned to lease the building to the market's proprietors for the foreseeable future.

Richard Baruzza, whose family runs the market, declined to comment on the sale at that time, calling it a private matter.

The social media post from the market also thanked their dedicated and hardworking" staff, crediting their work as part of the business' success.

It is now time for all of us to move on and spend more time with our families," read the post. Maybe even do some hiking around the Punch Bowl!"

As part of the closure, all gifts and toys at the market have been marked down and all baking will be available while quantities last," according to the post.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com