A beloved bakery in Cancun, which recently captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike through its charming TikTok videos, has been forced to close its doors due to the alleged crippling effects of extortion. Panadería Chiapas, known for its traditional breads and pastries, announced its indefinite closure, citing the inability to pay the “derecho de piso,” or protection money, demanded by criminal elements.
@panaderiachiapas Panadería Chiapas en Cancún se despide 💔#panaderiaartesanal #pan #cancún #cancun #cancunense #cancun #cancunenses ♬ sonido original – gigi
The news, confirmed through a tearful video posted on the bakery’s TikTok account by its owner, has sparked widespread sadness and outrage in the community and online. In the video, the owner explained that the small business, which operated primarily on weekends, simply could not generate enough income to meet the extortion demands.
“We are small, and we can’t afford to pay the fee,” the owner said in the emotional video, which quickly went viral. “Thank you for everything and for taking a little piece of our history with you.”
The bakery had gained significant popularity on TikTok, with videos showcasing its baking process and delicious offerings often reaching thousands of views. This online fame translated into a growing customer base, making the closure even more disheartening for those who frequented the establishment.
The sudden shutdown of Panadería Chiapas is a stark illustration of the ongoing challenges posed by insecurity and organized crime to small businesses in the region. Extortion, a common tactic used by criminal groups, forces businesses to pay regular sums of money under the threat of violence or other harmful actions.
News of the closure has ignited a debate on social media about the safety and security of small businesses in Cancun. Many users expressed their solidarity with the bakery owners and called on authorities to take stronger action against extortion. The hashtag #PanaderiaChiapas has become a rallying point for those demanding increased protection for local enterprises.
A new post was made today showing that the police have now made contact with the bakery and are looking to resolve the issue.
@panaderiachiapas CON MIEDO PERO DE PIE GRACIAS A USTEDES LOGRAMOS SER ESCUCHADOS,CUANDO UN MEXICANO AYUDA A OTRO MEXICANO ES LO MÁXIMO #panaderiaartesanal #panaderia #cancún #cancun #cancunenses #cancunense #benitojuarez ♬ suara asli – ˢᵃᵈⁿᵉˢˢ
Update:
Following the distressing announcement of its indefinite closure due to alleged extortion, Panadería Chiapas in Cancun has received support from the Quintana Roo State Attorney General’s Office (FGE). The FGE clarified that the bakery was a victim of attempted virtual extortion originating from a prison in Mexico City, rather than traditional “derecho de piso.”
Authorities contacted the bakery owners, urging them to file a formal complaint and assuring them they could continue their business with greater peace of mind. This intervention came after the bakery’s tearful TikTok video announcing the closure went viral, sparking community outrage. The FGE is actively investigating the attempted extortion and reiterated its commitment to combatting such crimes, urging citizens to report any similar incidents.
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