Metro-east bakery owner seeks buyer after health crisis forced temporary closure
After temporarily closing in early November due to a family illness, the owner of Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen in New Baden has decided to sell the business.
Paul Berkemann said in a phone interview that selling the business was his choice and that the sale will include the “equipment, property, recipes … me, if they want me.”
If the new owner decides to maintain the business as a bakery, Berkemann said he’d like to keep working there as a baker.
Before selling, Berkemann wants to get the bakery up and running again. Of the 30 employees who worked for him, more than half have expressed that they would like to return.
His passion for baking hasn’t wavered, but the day-to-day business side has become a lot, he said. Instead, he will spend that time caring for his wife, Janet Berkemann, who fell ill in late October.
The Berkemanns have received an overwhelming wave of support from the community since closing
“I didn’t know how much people followed the bakery,” Berkemann said. “It’s unbelievable how much people care.”
Comments from area residents poured in after Berkemann posted news of the temporary closing on Nov. 9.
“People have showed me how much we meant to the community,” he said. “I really do appreciate the support.”
About Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen
Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen is located at 115 W. Hanover St., in New Baden.
Previously known as Hill’s Bakery, it was the first bakery in which Berkemann worked, followed by five others before returning to Hill’s. He renamed the bakery when he bought the business from Jeanine and P.J. Wangler in 2000.
For information about Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen, visit facebook.com/BerkemannsBakersDozen.
Anyone interested in purchasing the business can contact Ryan Shores of the Saint Louis Group at 314-591-1265 or rshores@saintlouisgroup.com.
This story was originally published January 6, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
