After 86 years of baking, South Haven’s Golden Brown Bakery is closing at the end of the year.
The announcement, like so many in the last couple of years, came via social media. The company posting on Facebook an announcement that shocked and saddened many fans of the establishment.
As we reported in July, the Golden Brown Bakery in St. Joseph closed due to what the owner attributed to staffing issues.
Tuesday’s post about the South Haven closing states in part:
“After 86 years of serving Southwest Michigan and the city of South Haven, the owners of the Golden Brown Bakery, Dave and Barrie Braschler, have decided the iconic bakery and coffee shop will close its doors for the final time at the end of 2024. Known for its freshly baked goods and pastries, classic breakfast and lunch offerings, and a friendly atmosphere, the closure marks the end of an era that made the bakery a landmark staple of downtown South Haven.
“Founded in 1938 by two sisters, Nona MacKenzie and Blanche Rosenberger, MacKenzie’s Bakery began as a small roadside bake stand between Covert and South Haven. With help from John G. MacKenzie and Dave’s father, Don Braschler, in the late 1950’s, the business continued to grow, guided by a goal of creating and delivering the finest baked goods to Southwest Michigan, with a welcoming space for neighbors to gather. Over the years, it has become a local institution, with generations of families returning for its famous chocolate fried cakes, filled long johns, cheese coffee cakes, specialty decorated cakes, English muffin bread, and your favorites.
“‘Our bakery has been more than just a business. It’s been my home, a community gathering place, and a source of pride,”” said Dave Braschler, who has owned and operated the bakery for the last 41 years. “We are grateful for the incredible support and loyalty from our customers over the decades. While it’s bittersweet to come to this realization and say goodbye, we feel blessed to have been a part of this town’s story.”
The post concluded with a simple thank you from the family.
“The Braschler family and staff extend their gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to all who have supported them throughout the decades.”
