Ohlin’s Bakery in Belmont Faces Challenges in Rebuild [Update]

A Belmont bakery that was destroyed in an explosion in March has shared an update on the status of its rebuild, and the hurdles are forbidding. An oven exploded at the family-run Ohlin’s Bakery, fortunately not causing any serious injuries, and the owners are now working to determine the cost of rebuilding the space and keeping it up to code, Boston Magazine reported.

Paul and Marybeth Klemm posted an update on the Ohlin’s Facebook page Tuesday morning, informing patrons that the insurance company for the building’s landlord would cover the cost of rebuilding a retail space but that there are different requirements to return the space to a bakery.

"The problem is a bakery would need different code upgrades than just a retail store, such as... a certain kind of flooring, fire suppression system, walls, new sinks, electrical up grades, plumbing upgrades, plans from architect, etc. Our insurance company will pay for the things that were damaged during the explosion, like the oven for instance. Our biggest problem is our insurance will not cover any code upgrades that we need. We are trying to figure out how much all this will cost us. We will need to see if this is something we can personally afford. We are incredibly nervous and stressed about the unknown."

The 100-year-old 456 Common St. bakery was known for its highly coveted doughnuts, as well as bagels, cakes, muffins, pies, and more. The Klemms are still trying to figure out how to proceed and will update the public as they can.

Update, 7/20, 8:00 a.m.: A former Ohlin's employee launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the bakery in its rebuild, according to a Facebook post from Ohlin's. "Thanks everyone we really appreciate all the love and support," the post read. Jacqueline Davis, who worked at the bakery as a teenager, set up the page after the Klemms' original post about funding the rebuild circulated through a Belmont Facebook group. The crowdfunding goal is $50,000, with $5,234 pledged so far.

• Ohlin’s Bakery Has an Update, and It’s Not Great [BM]
• Ohlin’s Bakery [Facebook]
• Ohlin's Bakery Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• Ohlin's Bakery in Belmont Rebuild [GoFundMe]