Bakery Owner Seeks Buyer After Health Crisis Forces Closure
After a temporary closure in early November due to a family illness, the owner of Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen in New Baden has made the decision to sell the business. Paul Berkemann shared this news during a phone interview, stating that the sale will encompass all aspects of the bakery, including equipment, property, and even his personal involvement if the new owner desires it.
Berkemann expressed his willingness to continue working at the bakery if the new owner chooses to keep it operational as a bakery. Before finalizing the sale, he aims to ensure the business is fully functional again. Out of the 30 employees who previously worked for him, more than half have shown interest in returning to the bakery.
Despite his passion for baking remaining unchanged, Berkemann noted that the daily operations of running a business have become increasingly challenging. Instead, he will focus on caring for his wife, Janet, who fell ill in late October. The couple has received an overwhelming amount of support from the local community since the bakery’s temporary closure.
“I didn’t realize how much people were following the bakery,” Berkemann said. “It’s truly unbelievable how much people care.”
Following the announcement of the temporary closure on November 9, comments from residents poured in, expressing their appreciation for the bakery and its role in the community. Berkemann emphasized the emotional impact of the support he has received.

About Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen
Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen is located at 115 W. Hanover St., in New Baden. The bakery was previously known as Hill’s Bakery, where Berkemann first began his career. He worked at five other bakeries before returning to Hill’s, which he eventually renamed after purchasing the business from Jeanine and P.J. Wangler in 2000.
For more information about Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen, you can visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/BerkemannsBakersDozen.
If you are interested in purchasing the business, you can contact Ryan Shores of the Saint Louis Group at 314-591-1265 or via email at rshores@saintlouisgroup.com.
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