Beloved Local Bakery Julien Boulangerie Shutters Upper East Side Shops Without Warning

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A beloved French bakery has quietly disappeared from the Upper East Side, leaving neighbors wondering what happened.

Julien Boulangerie, a French bakery chain with four locations citywide, appears to have closed all of its shops with little warning.

The closure was first reported on social media by ParkSlopeLiving, which said owner Julien Khalaf confirmed the shutdown and described it as a difficult decision, though no immediate explanation was provided.

Julien Boulangerie launched as a Park Slope favorite at 186 Fifth Ave. (between Sackett and Degraw) in late 2020, then spread its French charm to the Upper East Side.

The first UES outpost opened in 2021 at 1375 Madison Ave., followed by spots at 1431 York Ave. and 1247 Third Ave.

Beloved for its pastries, the bakery drew regulars for its macarons and almond croissants, while also offering breads, sandwiches and various other baked treats.

As of last week, Julien Boulangerie’s website is offline, and the phone number for its three Upper East Side locations has been disconnected.

Khalaf, tight-lipped on reasons, just debuted Le Petit Paris—a new bakery and café in Kew Gardens—with longtime friend and partner Anthony Le Mezec, taking over the 80-year-old Homestead Gourmet space, a German and Polish deli.

The shop at 81-45 Lefferts Boulevard opened late last month, offering fresh croissants, pistachio and chocolate beignets, madeleines, fruit tarts, sandwiches and quiches.