Edgewood Bakeshop no longer opening at Main Street location

“Sadly, I don’t have happy news to share which is that we are no longer opening a storefront in the former Chetek Bakery location,” Stamps shared in a social media post. “Despite every effort to obtain a lease in addition to trying to purchase the building, we have been met with one road block after the next. We are as disappointed as we know you all will be.”

Stamps has assured the community that she will continue to offer tasty specialty breads and baked goods through pop-up shops and farmers markets in the meantime, while she awaits another opportunity. “A storefront is still in our plans, and we are actively scoping out other local opportunities,” Stamps assured. “I really had my heart set on a Chetek location and I know this community was just as set on me being located here.”

Chetek has eagerly awaited the opening of the bakeshop since her announcement in August of 2023 after she was acquainted with an investor and Chetek lover from Milwaukee, who saw an opportunity to provide a space for a vital business to Chetek—a bakery—but not just any bakery, Edgewood Bakeshop. Stamps planned on having the storefront renovated and ready for the 2024 Chetek tourist season in late April or early May.

It has been reported that due to unforeseen personal circumstances, the owner of 608 Second St., Robert Cramer, is placing the location back on the market.

“I know that I did everything in my power to make this location work but circumstances outside my control have overruled me, but we’re going to be okay.”

People filled the comments section of Stamps social media announcement with encouraging words and shared their disappointment at the news. Allison Wolf shared, “I’m so sorry it didn’t work out at that location! It would have been such a fantastic addition! You will do fantastic no matter where your storefront ends up being. I know I will definitely travel anywhere to get my sourdough fix from you!”

“How disappointing for you and all of us who love you and your goodies. I hope something perfect opens up for you. Wherever you go, we shall follow! Thinking of you all, through what I imagine has got to be an extremely frustrating time! Wishing you the best and looking forward to your next pop up to grab some wonderful baked goods,” said follower Candyce LS.

This isn’t the first time Stamps has had the hope of a brick-and-mortar storefront snatched from her. Edgewood Bakeshop is not originally a Chetek business. Stamps started Edgewood Bakeshop while living in St. Louis, Missouri. The business was a culmination of corporate burnout, pandemic lockdowns and a hunger for simplicity.

Stamps turned her St. Louis Farmers Market breadstand into a fullscale business, offering sour dough breads, and later, offering other sweet and savory sough dough treats to marketgoers. Things were going well for the cottage baker who had the opportunity to network and partner with delis and restaurants in the vibrant St. Louis food scene where Stamps had the opportunity to partner with chefs to create artful, mouth-watering foods using her breads. As the baker worked toward making her dream a concrete reality, life had other plans, and she found herself back in Wisconsin.

Ever the optimist, Stamps took the opportunity to make adjustments to her business upon moving back to her home state and made Edgewood one of the most popular cottage bakery businesses in the area. Edgewood Bakeshop is a staple of the Country Lane Market’s farmers market in Barron. It isn’t uncommon for her bread stand to be sold out in less than an hour.

Those hungry for a “real bread” experience will appreciate Stamps’ sourdough goodies and despite the lack of storefront, the community has access to her schedule of pop-up shops on her website and social media. Stamps’ pop-up shops feature a selection or artisan sourdough bread and seasonal mouth watering pastries. The Edgewood Bakeshop Bread Club is a great option for lovers of sourdough bread. Stamps offers several kinds of sourdough for subscribers to pick from depending on their needs.

Check out the bakeshop’s website at https://theedgewoodbaker.com/ and keep up with Stamps’ pop-up events and updates on the Edgewood Bakeshop Facebook page.

Storefront or not, Edgewood Bakeshop has become a staple for local and area households and the community has made it clear that they aren’t going anywhere.