MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — A Menomonee Falls bakery that faced hateful comments after it planned to host a drag show story time is closing its doors. But the business is not disappearing just centralizing according to owners.
Gather Bakehouse, formerly known as Batter and Mac, will shut down its Menomonee Falls location on October 19 and consolidate operations at its Bay View location. Co-owner Mattey Voboril said the closure has nothing to do with the controversy that erupted when the bakery planned to host a fundraising event for an LGBTQ+ group featuring drag performers.
"The main reason we are closing has nothing to do with the hate we have received. It simply has to do with my sister taking some stress off her shoulders being back with her kids," Voboril said.
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Two months ago, one of Voboril's sisters and co-owners left the business, prompting the name change from Batter and Mac to Gather Bakehouse. Voboril said consolidating to one location makes economic sense since most of the bakery's work is done at the Bay View site.
"We have double the amount, double the staff, double the community," Voboril said.
Regular customers are making final visits to stock up on favorites before the closure. Christine Kearney praised the bakery's danishes and was buying chocolate croissant to freeze. While customer Kaden Aalderks said he specifically started visiting to support the business after the controversy.
"I figured I would come and support them. It feels like a nice place to come and support a business," Aalderks said.
Aalderks said he particularly enjoys the cheese pockets, which remind him of treats he shared with his grandparents.
Despite leaving Menomonee Falls, Voboril said the bakery maintains its welcoming philosophy.
"Just really preaching that bakery is for everyone," Voboril said. "All love, nothing, no hate which we love. Bittersweet for sure."
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