The shop is set to shutter in less than two weeks as its owners prepare to hand operations over to new leadership in Germantown.
"Merzbacher's, my company, is only acquiring their wholesale program, so we're taking all their breads and pastries, and we'll ultimately make them out of our Germantown facility to deliver throughout the region, service their existing customers," said Peter Merzbacher of Merzbacher's Bakery.
Merzbacher said he is excited to expand his business and confirmed that he expressed interest in taking over the operation last fall.
He plans to keep the Metropolitan brand intact, continuing deliveries to roughly 80 restaurants and grocery stores while running his own bakery at the same Germantown location.
Metropolitan Bakery announced the closure on Instagram, writing that it had been "an honor to serve and be a part of their customers' holidays and celebrations."
The news came as a surprise to regulars, including Erica Ginsburg, who stopped by the shop on Wednesday to pick up her favorite items before the location closes for good.
"I was in shock. I opened my phone and basically said, 'Oh no!' So, I came," she said.
She says she "got the sourdough, apple pie because my husband loves fruit. It's quality goods. So, it will be missed."
The Rittenhouse storefront will remain open until the transition is complete, marking the end of an era for one of Philadelphia's most beloved bakeries.