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McCook, NE

Building a new bakery location to expand a heritage brand and create a community gathering space in a growing Nebraska city.

• Award-winning heritage: Honored with the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award.
• Deep community roots: Serving McCook since the 1950s with loyal local support across generations.
• New location launch: Funds support construction of a new bakery and café in Kearney.
• Transparent food experience: Guests will have open views into the production space at Embers Lakeside.
• Beloved menu staples: Famous for bierocs, fresh donuts, artisan breads, and hearty breakfast options.

Embers Bakery is raising funds to support the launch of a new location in Kearney, Nebraska, as part of its ongoing expansion from its original, award-winning bakery in McCook. Honoring a legacy that began in 1957 as Sehnert’s Bakery, Embers continues to serve time-tested recipes and locally sourced ingredients in a setting that reflects warmth, hospitality, and community pride. The funds will be used to begin foundational construction at the Younes Landing plaza, laying utilities, pouring concrete, framing walls, and installing drywall to create Embers Lakeside, a space that mirrors the charm and quality that earned the original bakery a James Beard Foundation award and recognition as a regional institution.

With more than 60 years of history and an evolving menu that now includes artisan pizza, full-service catering, and hearty breakfasts, Embers is positioning its next location as both a destination and a community hub. The new Kearney location will feature open views into the production area, inviting guests to see firsthand the craftsmanship behind Nebraska’s most beloved donuts. The funding will also help Embers deepen its community role by providing a gathering space for both locals and visitors in a rapidly developing part of the city. Through thoughtful design and a commitment to heritage, this expansion reflects a larger mission: to bring the flavors, stories, and spirit of Embers to new generations while continuing to serve as a source of connection, comfort, and culinary excellence.

Company Info

Embers Bakery is a James Beard-recognized Nebraska bakery serving handmade goods and expanding its legacy to new locations.

Embers Bakery & Cafe, formerly Sehnert’s Bakery, is a longstanding McCook, Nebraska institution known for its handcrafted baked goods and deep community roots. Operating since the 1950s, the bakery has built a loyal following with its fresh donuts, breads, cinnamon rolls, and its signature bieroc—a fluffy bread pocket filled with seasoned beef and cabbage or sauerkraut. Under current owners Andrew and Alix Ambriz, the bakery continues to use time-tested recipes while expanding its offerings to include breakfast, lunch, catering, and artisan pizzas, all prepared with local ingredients and a commitment to hospitality.

With a James Beard America’s Classics Award and recognition as a local hub for connection and tradition, Embers is planning its next phase of growth. The team aims to build a new location in Kearney, Nebraska, within the Younes Landing plaza near the upcoming SportsPlex. Funds will be used for foundational construction tasks including utility installation and interior build-out. The future Embers Lakeside location is envisioned as a gathering place where guests can enjoy both the flavors and craft behind the bakery’s products through an open production layout. The expansion seeks to reestablish the Sehnert legacy across Nebraska while delivering quality baked goods to new communities.