Chaska Bakery Closes after 125 Years
After 125 years of selling baked goods in the same building in downtown Chaska, the historic Chaska Bakery will close its doors on Saturday.
Owner Dave Blackowiak said the recession, as well as fuel costs and competition from chain stores such as Rainbow Foods nearby, contributed to the bakery's decline. Blackowiak told the Star Tribune that it was one of the last from-scratch bakeries in the Twin Cities area.
Many loyal customers are sad to see the store go.
"It's a shame," Chaska Mayor Gary Van Eyll told the Star Tribune. "I know they tried to keep it open. I feel bad for them and for Chaska."
The Chaska Bakery was founded by Gottlieb Eder in 1884, just 13 years after Chaska was incorporated as a village.
Blackowiak said he is disappointed to see the bakery come to an end.
"It's always been a family operation." Blackowiak told the Star Tribune. "I'm second generation. I always thought my kids would be the third generation to take over. That's not going to happen."