McCOOK, Neb. — A beloved McCook landmark known for its warm breads, pastries, and deep local roots has officially closed its doors. Embers Bakery & Café announced Sunday that Saturday marked its final day of business, ending nearly seven decades of bakery tradition in the city’s downtown.
“With deep sadness, we’re here to share that Saturday was Embers Bakery’s final day,” owners Andrew and Alix Ambriz wrote in a Facebook post. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who supported us and especially thankful for our team… We will always cherish the memories we’ve made with all of you.”
The announcement came just one week after Embers shut down its new drive-thru location, which the owners said was part of “holiday planning.” The decision to close completely surprised many, though a few community members noted signs of struggle in recent days. One commenter on social media mentioned the bakery’s “bare shelves" last week, calling it “a red flag” that hinted at what was to come.
The bakery’s roots trace back to 1957, when Matt and Shelly Sehnert’s family first opened Sehnert’s Bakery. Over the decades, the shop became a McCook institution and a cornerstone of the downtown business district. Its legacy reached national acclaim in 2019 when Sehnert’s earned a James Beard America’s Classics Award — the only Nebraska business ever to receive the honor.
In August 2021, Andrew and Alix Ambriz purchased the bakery from the Sehnerts, later rebranding it as Embers Bakery & Café. The couple expanded operations this spring with the addition of a drive-thru location and had teased plans for a new store in Kearney.
Several social media commenters defended the Ambriz family following the announcement, pointing to today’s economic hardships — from rising supply costs to staffing challenges — that continue to squeeze small, locally owned businesses. Others suggested that rapid growth, including the drive-thru expansion and Kearney plans, may have placed financial strain on the bakery.
The Ambriz family did not specify the reasons behind the decision to close but noted that they “succeeded at times and also made [their] mistakes along the way.”
While Embers’ ovens have gone cold for now, its impact on McCook’s culture — and its rare mark on Nebraska’s culinary map — will be remembered long after the final loaf left the oven.