Bakery that served South Haven for 86 years closes

After 86 years of serving Southwest Michigan, the Golden Brown Bakery turned off its ovens and served the last customers on Saturday, Dec. 28.
It marked the end of an era that made the bakery a landmark staple in downtown South Haven.
EXCERPTED FROM BAKERY FACEBOOK POSTING
“Founded in 1938 by two sisters, Nona MacKenzie and Blanche Rosenberger, MacKenzie’s Bakery began as a small roadside bake stand between Covert and South Haven. With help from John G. MacKenzie and Don Braschler, in the late 1950’s, the business continued to grow, guided by a goal of creating and delivering the finest baked goods to Southwest Michigan, with a welcoming space for neighbors to gather. Over the years, it has become a local institution, with generations of families returning for its famous chocolate fried cakes, filled long johns, cheese coffee cakes, specialty decorated cakes, English muffin bread, and other favorites.
“‘Our bakery has been more than just a business. It’s been my home, a community gathering place, and a source of pride,”” said Dave Braschler, who has owned and operated the bakery for the last 41 years. “We are grateful for the incredible support and loyalty from our customers over the decades. While it’s bittersweet to come to this realization and say goodbye, we feel blessed to have been a part of this town’s story.”