Brooklyn's Clementine Bakery Closes Amidst Allegations of Misconduct and Non-Vegan Products

Clementine Bakery, a beloved vegan institution in Brooklyn's Clinton Hill, abruptly closed in late July 2026, with staff terminated via WhatsApp without notice. The closure followed a series of controversies involving its founder, Elle Barton, including allegations of unpaid wages, selling non-vegan products, and cult-related rumors. Barton sold the business to Earthly Eats in late 2024, but issues persisted under new ownership. Former employees accused Barton of withholding payment, serving dairy-containing chocolate chips and shellac-coated candies, and mismanagement. Barton denied knowingly serving non-vegan items. The closure is part of a broader trend of vegan restaurant shutdowns in Brooklyn, including Mekelburg's, Guevara's, Hartbreakers, Modern Love, Red Bamboo, Toad Style, and VSpot. The article also references Matthew Kenney's plant-based empire collapse and the 'Bad Vegan' scandal involving Sarma Melngailis. Despite the closures, some vegan spots like A.T.M. Vegan Deli continue to thrive, emphasizing consistency and community support. The story highlights the challenges of the vegan restaurant industry and the scrutiny faced by its prominent figures.