A cheesecake baker says he will close his brick-and-mortar location in Ocala at the end of this month, just over seven months after it first opened.
JMarie Brands will close its location in Ocala on April 30, according to a statement issued by owner Seanree Lesesne.
“I wanna send a big thank you to everyone, literally everyone. You all watched us through trials and tribulations, set backs and situations that come with having a brick and mortar. That’s true support,” said Lesesne in a statement posted to social media.
In addition to the bakery in Ocala, Lesesne says he will close another brick-and-mortar location in Gainesville.
“I never forgot why I started. This moment just happened to be this last chapter. I’ve cried, I fought and did everything in my power to push through. But I’m tired. And I don’t say that often,” said Lesesne in his statement.
The business owner clarified that he is not going to stop “making cheesecakes,” and that the closure applies to only the brick-and-mortar locations. Now, Lesesne says he is going to take time to decide on his next steps.
“I’m at peace with this decision,” said the baker. “When that time comes on where I’ll be, I’ll let you all know.”
Over the last six years, Lesesne has made a name for himself through pop-ups all across the city and county.
In September, after a year of preparations, the baker opened his first JMarie Brands brick-and-mortar in Ocala at 3420 NE Jacksonville Road.
Lesesne, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, offers perhaps the largest selection of cheesecake flavors of any business in Marion County.
Over the years, the menu at J Marie Brands has featured a multitude of creative flavor concoctions by Lesesne, including red velvet, funfetti, apple pie, Mounds, and strawberry shortcake variations.
To support the business before it closes, visit JMarie Brands in Ocala or Gainesville, or visit J Marie Brands online.