FREDERICK, Md. — After more than 18 years in business, Fractured Prune in Frederick has permanently closed.

A message left on the donut shop’s door said the owners made the decision to step away from the business to spend more time with their newborn daughter.

“We are closing the Fractured Prune permanently,” the message read. “After being opened for over 18 years, we have decided to spend some time with our newborn girl. The Fractured Prune required our attention every day and our family needs a break.”

The owners thanked customers for their support and said they hope to return with another business within a year or two. They also noted that they have a non-compete clause in their contract that they intend to honor.

Fractured Prune traces its roots to Ocean City, Maryland, where the brand was founded in 1976. The chain became known for its hot, made-to-order donuts that customers could customize with different glazes and toppings.

The Frederick shop, located at 1202 E. Patrick St., had been a particularly notable outpost for the Maryland-born brand. Prior to its closure, Frederick was the sole remaining Fractured Prune location in Maryland away from the beach, with the brand’s other Maryland shops concentrated in Ocean City and West Ocean City.

Its closure brings an end to more than 18 years of Fractured Prune serving the Frederick community.