Longtime metro-east bakery reopens with new name, owner next weekend
The bakery formerly known as Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen reopens as The Worn Whisk Bakery this month.
The bakery formerly known as Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen reopens as The Worn Whisk Bakery this month. Owner Kristen Rogers recently announced an opening date of Saturday, March 21.
“I’m ready. I’m more excited than nervous now,” she said.
The opening is coming quickly, but her staff is in place and ready for training.
Her current day-to-day has no rhyme or reason to it yet, she said. Much of her time is currently spent painting, making phone calls and handling other tasks.
New signage is coming soon. She said they’re waiting for a couple of rain-free days for installation. “I’m so ready to open these doors and get a routine,” Rogers said.
Rogers is working with previous owner Paul Berkemann, who is staying on as a baker. The two previously worked together when Rogers was a college student.
“I feel like we have a great working relationship,” she said. “We gel so well together. It’s good.”
Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen first opened in 2000, when Berkemann acquired the business, then Hill’s Bakery, from the previous owners. He temporarily closed in November after a family medical emergency in late October.
In January, Berkemann announced that he would sell the business. At that time, he hoped that if the new owner kept it running as a bakery, he’d stay on as a baker.
The sale of the property, the business and all bakery equipment to Rogers was finalized earlier this month.
About The Worn Whisk Bakery
The Worn Whisk Bakery is located at 115 W. Hanover St. in New Baden. Hours will be 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For more info, call 618-588-4233 or visit facebook.com/TheWornWhiskBakery.
