September 23, 2025 — West Bend, WI – It was July 10, 2024, when Hankerson’s Country Oven Bakery, a long-time staple in West Bend, WI, announced it was closing. The post on social media said, “it was a tough decision” and for the community it was like a punch to the gut.
Now comes word there will be new life for the location as renovations are underway at 2107 W. Washington Street in West Bend, WI, by American Construction Services.
The building is being transformed into Creative Brews, a coffee shop and artisan marketplace.
The project will give the well-known space a modern update while honoring its history as a local gathering spot.
Renovation highlights designed by American Architectural Group include:
Once complete, Creative Brews will serve as both a cozy coffee shop and a showcase for local crafts, turning the long-closed bakery into a thriving destination once again.
Neighbors will remember how Hankerson’s grew a dedicated following as many made morning breakfast a ritual, along with picking up fresh donuts on Saturday morning to ordering cakes for birthdays or graduations.
Hankerson’s got its start downtown at 130 N. Main St. At the time, they were one of three downtown bakeries that included Bauer’s at 227 N. Main and City Bakery, 326 N. Main St.
What is your favorite memory of Hankerson’s? Many who have chimed in in the past talk about the awesome hard rolls, the best country breakfast with homemade strawberry jam, and bucket bread.
Hankerson’s was sold to Ryan Hankerson in September 2018.
The landmark sign was removed May 17, 2025. Click HERE to read the story.
Love Hankersons cheese Danish with the white almond icing!!
Unless it’s another bakery, I’m not sure how it’s a coffee shop is a good replacement
Our wedding cake was made here almost 30 years ago. We chose Hankerson’s because they gave us a certificate for an 8″ round cake to use a year from our wedding. It made our first anniversary so much more special because we had fresh cake to celebrate!