Embers Bakery Closes Its Doors After 68 Years in Downtown McCook

October 20, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. — A beloved piece of McCook’s downtown history has officially come to a close. Embers Bakery & Café announced on Sunday night that Saturday was its final day of operation, marking the end of a 68-year tradition that began in 1957 as Sehnert’s Bakery.

The announcement, shared in a Facebook post by owners Andrew and Alix Ambriz, was met with an outpouring of emotion from the community — from sadness and surprise to heartfelt gratitude. Many longtime customers expressed how deeply the bakery had woven itself into the fabric of McCook life, serving as a gathering place for generations.

“With deep sadness, we’re here to share that Saturday was Embers Bakery’s final day,” the owners wrote. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who supported us… We will always cherish the memories we’ve made with all of you and hope you’ll do the same.”

The closure came as a surprise to many, especially following recent announcements of plans to open a new location in Kearney later this year. As of now, it’s unclear whether those plans will move forward or what will happen to the downtown McCook building.

Originally opened by Walt and Jean Sehnert in 1957, the bakery quickly became a cornerstone of the community — known for its bierocs, donuts, and welcoming atmosphere. Under the leadership of Matt and Shelly Sehnert, the business grew and earned national acclaim, including the prestigious James Beard America’s Classic Award in 2019 — the first Nebraska establishment ever to receive the honor. The bakery was also a popular stop on the Nebraska Passport Program and even briefly expanded into the pizza business with Tied House Pizza.

In 2021, Andrew and Alix Ambriz purchased the bakery from the Sehnerts and took on the task of writing its next chapter. Three years later, they rebranded as Embers Bakery & Café, adding a drive-thru location and introducing new menu items while striving to preserve the heart of the original bakery experience.

Though the ovens are now off and the storefront is quiet, the legacy of this downtown institution — and the memories created there — remain deeply rooted in the McCook community.

The Ambriz family and Ember’s Bakery team at their ribbon-cutting on August 15, 2024.

McCook News Now wishes Andrew, Alix, and the entire Embers team the very best in whatever comes next