MINNEAPOLIS — YoYo Donuts owners Alise and Luke McGregor reopened Thirsty Whale Bakery two weeks after the North Minneapolis bakery announced plans to close.
Kyle Baker, former owner of Thirsty Whale, announced the closure of the bakery due to financial pressure on Dec. 3. The news coverage that followed the announcement moved the McGregors to acquire the bakery.
“The more we read about the bakery and how sad people were about its closing, we decided to do something,” Alise said. “We’re excited to bring this storefront back to life and create synergy between Thirsty Whale Bakery and YoYo Donuts by being able to offer a more complete bakery portfolio.”
Kyle will remain at Thirsty Whale as head baker, with the McGregors planning to keep the bakery operations unchanged for the most part.
“This is about bakers helping bakers and saving a small business during a time when many are having to shut their doors,” Luke said.
Both YoYo and Thirsty Whale will expand their capabilities to ship products nationwide. A new baking facility in Walker, MN, is set to bring 11 jobs to the community in 2024.
