Summary

MacKenzies’ Bakery is a third-generation family-owned bakery that first began operations in 1932 in South Haven. The MacKenzies moved the bakery’s home base to the Kalamazoo area in1980, opening a shop on the west side and a second bakery cafe in Portage eight years later. In July of 1997, the family collaborated with the City of Kalamazoo and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to purchase land on a former brownfield site to build a third branch. Due to the great success of the newest location, bakery owner John MacKenzie worked with City again in 2005 on plans for a second phase development of the existing facility. The proposed renovations included a 3,000 square-foot addition to centralize production and expand retail areas.

MacKenzies’ Story

The MacKenzies of Kalamazoo are third-generation bakers who trace their humble beginnings to a roadside stand in South Haven, Michigan in 1932. Grandpa “Cap” MacKenzie originally built the stand to sell farm produce, but it wasn’t long before Grandma “Nona” MacKenzie started baking her delectable homemade breads, potato fried cakes, sweet rolls, and pies to offer customers. A few years later, Nona’s sister Blanche joined the MacKenzies from Chicago, contributing years of big-city baking and catering experience to the family’s culinary venture. In 1938, Cap, Nona, and Blanche turned their little roadside business in South Haven into a full-fledge bakery.

The MacKenzies’ baking business persisted for generations; the first Kalamazoo bakery was launched in 1980 by Cap and Nona’s grandchildren, John and Mary. Located at 4606 W. Main, the family modeled the shop after the original vision: using fresh, high quality ingredients, baking from scratch, offering a complete line of baked goods, and catering to customers’ special requests whenever possible. John and Mary opened a second café bakery in Portage in 1988.

Following the prosperity of the first two branches, the family began plans for a third building to house a production facility and bread shop. Working with the City of Kalamazoo and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the MacKenzies bought 3.5 acres of land located on a brownfield site on the corner of Harrison and Ransom Streets, just northeast of downtown.

The City assembled the brownfield site from multiple former owners, including the State and Contrail. For many years the lot served as a highly-visible junkyard. As such, the site had to undergo extensive decontamination prior to constructing of the new building. The City removed the blight, tested for environmental toxins, and prepared the land for redevelopment using State and local resources. In addition to clearing the lot, the City invested a portion of the land’s purchase price to initiate a job training program for residents to help develop the surrounding community. The remaining funds went towards improvements to the adjacent neighborhood, including landscaping, curb cuts, sidewalk repairs, and attractive lighting. Construction of the new building was completed in 1998.

The newest venture proved highly profitable; the MacKenzies hired more employees and soon began plans to expand the Harrison Street facility to accommodate the growing demand for their popular baked goods. Near the end of 2005, the City once again teamed up with the bakery to add a 3,000 square-foot building to the south of the existing structure.

The approximate $250,000 addition provides space for the bakery’s corporate offices, a larger seating and retail area, and more visibility of product. The project resulted in the retention of eight jobs and increased the development density on the lot. Tax revenue on the property is estimated to be between $9,000 and $12,000 annually. With a hip urban ambience, WIFI, and the introduction of freshly blended Water Street Coffee, the latest installment of the wholesome MacKenzies’ tradition is more popular than ever.

For 27 years, the MacKenzies have proudly served the Kalamazoo area. The family hopes to keep their legacy alive and continue to offer the finest bakery products and encourage further community growth well into the future.