The Thirsty Whale Bakery in Minneapolis, beloved by locals for its confections, has narrowly escaped permanent closure. After announcing its shuttering due to financial strains on December 3, the bakery has sprouted anew under the ownership of Alise and Luke McGregor, proprietors of YoYo Donuts. Their timely acquisition was driven by empathy for the bakery's plight and ambition to sustain its legacy. "I am grateful the community will still be able to enjoy Thirsty Whale Bakery and all the hard work that has gone into it over the years," former owner Kyle Baker expressed in a statement communicated by FOX 9.
"This year has been especially hard for everyone, our small business is no exception," Baker initially posted when announcing the closure on the bakery’s Instagram. It was this heartfelt disclosure that eventually compelled the McGregors to decisively step in and promptly reopen the bakery's doors on December 18, with Baker at the helm as the lead baker.
Despite the change in ownership, Thirsty Whale Bakery has maintained its essence, offering its classic range of cupcakes, bars, cookies, and danishes. Patrons will have to wait until after the holiday season for the bakery's full revival, as it plans to reintroduce its donut selection. For now, the bakery operates on a limited schedule, opening from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this week, aiming to establish more consistent hours in the post-holiday period, as indicated by the bakery’s Facebook update.
Even as this community cornerstone begins to serve its customers again, the transition period poses some logistical snags. Baker had previously assured patrons with pending orders that their requests would be honored up until December 23, with the exception of pickups scheduled for later dates, which would be refunded. "If you have ordered a cake through 12/23/2023 we will be fulfilling your order and it will be available for a scheduled pick up. Any Christmas cookie orders that were placed via the website will be fulfilled," Baker mentioned on Instagram.
The community's affinity for the Thirsty Whale Bakery's fare and the McGregors’ dedication to preserving local tradition has captured the attention of customers old and new. As the ovens warm and the scent of baked goods once again wafts through north Minneapolis, the Thirsty Whale sails into a revitalized chapter with a storied past and an auspicious horizon.
