VICKSBURG, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Construction has started on the new Mackenzies Bakery in downtown Vicksburg, officials announced Monday.
Crews from general contractor Frederick Construction are renovating the interior of the 1,700 square-foot space at 103 East Prairie Street to accommodate a production kitchen and small retail storefront.
When it opens in spring 2022, the new iteration of the former Kalamazoo bakery will offer both retail and wholesale items, including many original bread recipes.
Officials say the location will serve as both a wholesale center and customer-facing bakery where patrons can grab fresh-baked breads, including the popular Pretzel, Struan, Crispy Italian and Paesano blends, as well as a small selection of cookies, muffins and beverages.
“My hope is that a visit to Mackenzies Bakery will kindle memories from childhood, with eyes locked on the tempting goodies behind the case, while creating generations worth of new memories for residents and visitors to enjoy an elevated retail experience in my thriving hometown,” owner and Vicksburg native Chris Moore said in a statement. “I’m excited to bring this memory-making experience to downtown Vicksburg.”
Moore, who also owns The Mill at Vicksburg – an $80 million mixed-use project currently undergoing renovations on the west end of the village – says he grew up enjoying MacKenzie’s baked goods and jumped at the chance to revitalize the brand and bring more business to the 3,400-person village, about 12 miles south of Kalamazoo.
Construction signage depicting lifelike renderings of the space are currently being installed over the windows to give patrons a glimpse of the elevated retail experience that awaits at Mackenzies.
Moore says the renovation of the space, which includes two adjoining buildings, is part of his vision to create a thriving Vicksburg along with its surrounding areas.
To ensure continuity through the transition, Moore engaged former owner John MacKenzie to provide consultation and hired two longtime MacKenzie’s employees to handle daily operations—Production Manager Jill Younger and Head Baker Cris Najar.
“I couldn’t be happier with seeing the MacKenzie’s brand live on the way it will in Vicksburg,” former owner John MacKenzie said in a statement. “Chris Moore and his team are absolutely committed to doing things in top-notch fashion, so I can’t wait to see what the next iteration does for the region.”
Mackenzies Vicksburg expects to share more information soon on its website, www.mackenziesbakery.com, about opening dates and specific product offerings.
Officials noted that the new owners have changed the spelling and punctuation of the bakery to “Mackenzies.”
Rendered concept photos were provided to WKZO, and can be viewed below:
A rendering of the new Mackenzies Bakery in Vicksburg, MI, which is set to open in Spring 2022. (Photo courtesy Craig Clark).
A rendering of the new Mackenzies Bakery in Vicksburg, MI, which is set to open in Spring 2022. (Photo courtesy Craig Clark).
