Bribery Bakery Shuts Down Boozy Mueller Bake Shop

Bribery Bakery owner Jodi Elliott closed down the Mueller location of the bakeshop and bar. Its last day was yesterday, Thursday, August 31. The original Wells Branch bakery remains open.

Elliott announced the shutter in a newsletter, where she wrote that she was closing the Mueller shop because it became a lot to run two bakeries, it “was all-consuming,” and she wanted to go back to making desserts. Read on for the full message.

Elliott opened the original Bribery Bakery in Wells Branch in March 2015. She had wanted to open the bakery somewhere in East Austin with a bar component, but leasing issues made that difficult. The Wells Branch location doesn’t serve alcohol. She followed that up with the Mueller location, that served cocktails, in February 2016. Elliott told Eater that she saw as the Mueller shop as the dressed-up version of herself and the Wells branch one as her laid-back self.

This Mueller shutter is amidst the growing number of restaurants opening in the Aldrich Street area, including the newly announced Kerbey Lane Cafe expansion, Southern-inspired restaurant Colleen's Kitchen, Halcyon's second Austin location, and more. There’s already Alamo Drafthouse, Lick Honest Ice Creams, J.T. Youngblood’s, L’Oca d’Oro, and others.

Bribery Bakery’s Letter

Hi Everyone —

With a mixture of emotions and a heavy heart, I wanted to let you guys know that I have decided to close our Mueller location effective Friday, September 1st.

For the last two years, I’ve fought to build a dream come true: my pink palace of whimsy and wonder. Through hard work and a lot of struggle, I was able to conquer my fears and create a space that’s so personal and connected to me – a real representation of me. I am so proud of my accomplishments, and I have loved owning and operating my dream-shop.

Juggling two bakeries, two staffs, and two groups of customers was all-consuming. I spent all my time on bills, taxes, schedules, emails, and putting out fires. I didn’t have time or energy for what I love most – being in the kitchen and making desserts that I want to eat and that I want others to experience. It’s been a constant struggle, and I eventually burned out.

But I do believe that the bright and happy space brought joy and optimism to everyone who walked in the door. I was able to share this fancy little version of myself – feminine and classy and fun! I loved bringing it all together: the hot pink trim, the wallpaper, the brass accents, the neon signs, the pink chairs – and sitting with Billie to assemble each crystal on the chandeliers. I’m so thankful for this experience! I’ve learned a lot, and I’m ready to apply all of it to the future of Bribery. I am soooo excited to reconnect with my family, my creative spirit, and the simple joy of daydreaming.

I am extremely grateful to your continued support; I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without you. Our Wells Branch location is alive and well and will remain my creative pastry workshop!

I can’t wait to share all the new ideas I haven’t had the time or energy to execute… stay tuned for delivered cakes and treat trays, mail-order treats, wedding cakes, exciting holiday kits, cookbooks, hats, bags, boxes and so many more exclamation points!!!!!

xoxoxo — Jodi

• Bribery Bakery Is Slinging Sweets and Cocktails in Mueller [EATX]
• All Coverage of Bribery Bakery Mueller [EATX]
• All Coverage of Bribery Bakery Wells Branch [EATX]