Klingler's closing after almost 30 years in Vestavia Hills

After almost 30 years serving the Vestavia Hills community, Klingler’s European Bakery and Cafe has closed its doors, though the owners have left the door open for a possible return sometime in the future.

The bakery has been around for 33 years as a retail bakery and moved to Vestavia Hills in 1991.

Eric Witherington, who owns the business with his wife Michelle, said while they might open the doors again one day, the impact of COVID-19 had a major impact on the popular restaurant.

“It just couldn’t work,” Witherington said. “This thing’s been horrible for everybody.”

Witherington said as of June 1, they have moved out of the building, and it is now available for lease.

Witherington said his restaurant, Moe’s BBQ, has the couple busy, and is doing well, preparing to open a new location in Brock Gap.

While Klingler’s is gone for now, Witherington said Vestavia will always be home.

“This is our community,” Witherington said. “This is home for us. People have always been great.”