San Diego's more than 30-year-old Charlie's Best Bread suddenly shuttered earlier this month, and some employees are accusing the bakery of failing to pay their final wages.
Founded by Fernando Linero Lozano in 1988, Charlie's Best Bread began as a storefront in San Diego's Bird Rock neighborhood before relocating to Pacific Plaza off Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach in 2010. Charlie's specialized in fresh baked, organic bread, pastries, made-to-order sandwiches and more. The bread could be found at many area supermarkets.
For weeks leading up to their sudden closure earlier this month, customers have complained of Charlie's not being stocked and having bare shelves. Some employees are also taking to online review platforms to complain about lack of payment of wages.
Based on responses from ownership, it appears there has been staffing issues that resulted in operational problems and ultimately caused the company to close their doors. The company's bakery at 2661 Boston Avenue in Barrio Logan is also closed and the back area of the bakery is filled with garbage. According to a representative from Charlie's, the business is in a restructuring process and hopes to reopen soon.
Charlie's Best Bread is located at 1808 Garnet Avenue in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit charliesbestbread.com.
