GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (KKCO) – Home Style Bakery prides itself on being one of the last true bakeries in Colorado. They started baking in 1948. Back then, it was located on North Avenue, but 24 years later, they moved to their current location on 7th Street. The business changed hands in 1976 and has remained there ever since.

For the current owners, owning and running a bakery has been a lifelong dream. Janet Wilkie, Vice President and Manager of Home Style Bakery, said, “It’s been incredible. It’s been the hardest thing we’ve ever done. The customers are what make it so special. We have so many people we know by first name. People say, ‘Oh, my grandma brought me here!’ Now they bring their grandchildren here.”

We also spoke with longtime Grand Junction residents like Marilyn Trueblood and Carla Jensen, and they shared memories of the bakery over the years. Trueblood told us, “I worked at the Home Style Bakery in the afternoons and I went to Grand Junction High School. I worked at the bakery in the afternoons.” Jensen said, “I’m really sad because this is a staple of Grand Junction. It’s been here forever. I’ve been coming here forever and I’m going to miss it.”

We asked the owners why they decided to sell the business. “We have been doing this for over 48 years. We are in our 70s and it is time to retire. We have children and grandchildren and want to spend time with them. Plus, the work is physically demanding. Our bodies are exhausted and we are ready to retire.”

The building and land are for sale. The owners hope it will go to someone who has a love and passion for baking.

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