In a bold move with no prior experience in the bakery business, a husband-and-wife duo purchased one of the most well-known bakeries in Nebraska.
Alix and Andrew Ambriz didn’t grow up in McCook, Nebraska, nor did they have any background in baking. But that didn’t stop them from taking a leap of faith in buying Sehnert’s Bakery, a staple of southwest Nebraska, three years ago.
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Over the decades, Sehnert’s Bakery had become an integral part of the McCook community. Founded in 1957, it earned a reputation for its fresh donuts, bread, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Andrew and Alix first got to know the bakery’s previous owner, Matt, during their time in the area after college. Although their careers eventually took them elsewhere, the connection to the bakery remained strong. When the opportunity arose to make the purchase, they seized it.
For the Ambriz family, taking over Sehnert’s wasn’t just about running a business—it was about continuing a legacy. They were determined to maintain the welcoming, memorable experience that customers had come to expect when they walked through the doors.
Now, three years into their ownership, the Ambriz family has truly made the bakery their own. Recently, they announced a new chapter in its history with a name change: Sehnert’s Bakery is now known as Embers Bakery and Café.
To hear more about the Ambriz family’s journey and how they’re shaping the future of this beloved local business, listen to their story on the Building Nebraska podcast, powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
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