Our bakery has always been a family affair. Eighty years after two sisters started the business, we live on today, led by father and son. 1938 saw two sisters from Chicago, Nona MacKenzie and Blanche Rosenberger, open shop in their farmhouse five miles south of South Haven, Michigan. During WWII, they shared retail space with a downtown supermarket, burnishing a reputation for delicious baked goods.
Within ten years, the business relocated to 315 Center Street, bringing aboard Nona's retired Naval son, Gerald. During the summer of 1951, at the ripe age of 15, Don began his career as a clean-up boy for the sisters. Working twelve hour days, Don's tireless work ethic made an impression on Mrs. MacKenzie.
Within ten years, the business relocated to 315 Center Street, bringing aboard Nona's retired Naval son, Gerald. During the summer of 1951, at the ripe age of 15, Don began his career as a clean-up boy for the sisters. Working twelve hour days, Don's tireless work ethic made an impression on Mrs. MacKenzie.
Services
Golden Brown Bakery, Inc. is proud to offer freshly made, decadent food items for customers across Southwest Michigan. Our cafes in South Haven and St. Joseph's seat 80 and 20 people, respectively, and serve up breakfast and lunch, featuring soups and sandwiches. From breads and donuts to desserts and fudge, our bakery has it all.
Golden Brown Bakery, Inc. is a full-service retail bakery with locations in South Haven and St. Joseph's, Michigan. All of our items are made fresh from scratch using old-fashioned techniques and processes. Our staff is dedicated to using the best ingredients to create quality baked goods that keep our customers coming back for more.
St. Joseph, Michigan is home to Golden Brown Bakery's "sister location." Positioned in the heart of downtown at 201 State Street, this location features a cute and inviting 20-seat cafe, now equipped with WiFi! Visit us today to enjoy a casual experience with a hot panini sandwich or an espresso with a fresh and unique pastry.
Reviews (27)
Ryan S.
Jan 27, 2022
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Literally the best chocolate cake donut you will find anywhere. Their breads, pastries and cookies are all sweet tasting greatness. If you want to sit dow and eat, they have an old school style cafe that you can grab a tray, pick an item, or order something from the cook and they will bring it out to your seat.
Rick Smith
Jan 20, 2022
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M. Stiles
Jan 13, 2022
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The donuts are exactly ok, like I can’t say anything bad about them, but they are expensive. Having mediocre products at high prices just seems obnoxious. I understand that donuts can get expensive but these are old donuts they get designer prices for. They are always busy and I will be dismissed but if you honestly believe these donuts are good (at these prices.) you either lack a sense of taste or you’ve never been anywhere else…
Sara Dawalt
Dec 05, 2021
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Open on Monday for breakfast! Bakeries are not often open on Mondays so this was the perfect place to meet a friend I haven't seen in years! Hash brown casserole was amazing, pancakes huge and delicious and of course you can't go into golden brown without having a chocolate covered donut. Delicious!
Barrie B.
Oct 30, 2021
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Natalie Bustillos
Oct 25, 2021
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Adam Knott
Oct 19, 2021
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Morgan H.
Sep 25, 2021
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This place is like walking into a time capsule! The place hasn't changed in the last 20 years I've been going! Walking in feels like being 7 again
The cheese danishes are to die for!!! Absolutely amazing!!!
The decorated sugar cookies look like they came straight out of the 1990s!
The staff is helpful and kind every time I go in!
Can't wait to come back to this beautiful bakery!
The cheese danishes are to die for!!! Absolutely amazing!!!
The decorated sugar cookies look like they came straight out of the 1990s!
The staff is helpful and kind every time I go in!
Can't wait to come back to this beautiful bakery!
Suzanne S.
Jul 22, 2021
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This is a real home town favorite! The coffee shop and restaurant in the back is very good with hardworking grill staff! Usually 5 soups homemade a day! I usually get a few just to have at home! The staff had been there some time and are friendly! The decor is fair and needs updating! The cheese danish is my favorite and specialty small desserts are wonderful! They have made me a variety of special cookie, brownie platters and cakes for special occasions and they just do an awesome job with this!
Shawn Manion
Jul 19, 2021
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Ed Mosher
Jul 16, 2021
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Susan B.
Jul 06, 2021
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This bakery is consistently good and tasty. Donuts and danishes were very good especially the fresh ones early in the morning. They do run out as the day ebbs on. The staff never seems to be friendly. I think a smile and a thank you would go a long way. Yeast donuts were better than cake donuts. Pecan rolls were very lovely with a sugary/honey flavored topping.
Rebecca R.
Jun 26, 2021
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We had been to this bakery once before, but I forgot to write a review.
This time we ordered some of the sprinkle cookies, some of their other cookies and a couple of brownies.
The sprinkle cookies were great in flavor. Very buttery.
The other cookies (variety of Dutch Almond, Choc PB, Butterscotch, Almond Walnut Choc Chip). They were good, but crunchy, if you are looking for a soft cookie, these are not it.
The cream cheese brownie was not our favorite, it was a very fudgy texture with walnuts and a cream cheese frosting, but the flavor was just ok.
The cookie dough was really good though. Alot
This time we ordered some of the sprinkle cookies, some of their other cookies and a couple of brownies.
The sprinkle cookies were great in flavor. Very buttery.
The other cookies (variety of Dutch Almond, Choc PB, Butterscotch, Almond Walnut Choc Chip). They were good, but crunchy, if you are looking for a soft cookie, these are not it.
The cream cheese brownie was not our favorite, it was a very fudgy texture with walnuts and a cream cheese frosting, but the flavor was just ok.
The cookie dough was really good though. Alot
Mary W.
Jun 04, 2021
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The front part of the business is full of yummy goodness, but the "restaurant" part in the back is like a school cafeteria. I would recommend grabbing you fresh baked goodies in the front, but don't venture past that. The food is so-so and there is literally no service. As a matter of fact the person taking your order has to walk to the other side of the room to cash you out. Just weird.
Spicy Pickles
Jun 03, 2021
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Best, most comforting food ever!!
Whenever my family visits south Haven we come here. It tastes like you’re in grandma’s kitchen again, but it’s only better. I really really enjoyed the scrambled eggs and toast. It was buttery, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely perfect. I always try to recreate them when I’m at home but it’s not nearly as good. They have delicious breads and desserts too. If you’re looking for a yummy dessert or filling breakfast, definitely come here, it’s truly a gem and a great start to your day.
Whenever my family visits south Haven we come here. It tastes like you’re in grandma’s kitchen again, but it’s only better. I really really enjoyed the scrambled eggs and toast. It was buttery, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely perfect. I always try to recreate them when I’m at home but it’s not nearly as good. They have delicious breads and desserts too. If you’re looking for a yummy dessert or filling breakfast, definitely come here, it’s truly a gem and a great start to your day.
Elvin C.
May 31, 2021
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Been a while since being here early enough for donuts, but do enjoy the pastries and bread. Cookies are a little dry for my taste. Cafe does offer different specials daily for quick breakfast/lunch. Order in the cafeteria line and then grab a seat. COVID measures still have distanced tables, disposable plates and utensils. Soups and chili taste housemade along with the pulled pork and sloppy joe sandwiches. Fries were crinkle cut. Fountain drinks are with refills for dine in.
Photo posted with regular cafe menu. See website for daily specials.
Photo posted with regular cafe menu. See website for daily specials.
Joseph L.
Mar 22, 2021
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Rachel Seidel
Jan 05, 2021
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Erica M.
Oct 16, 2020
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Jim K.
Aug 03, 2020
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If you want breakfast, danish or a meal, come here. When we first walked in, there is a counter of real honest to goodness baked goods. From straight donuts to long johns (filled and unfilled) to very wonderful Danishes and coffee cakes. The earlier you go, the better the selection. The pecan, almond and raspberry danish are my favorites. The kids loved the filled long Johns too. Next day, Going around to the right lead us to the restaurant side, where we ordered eggs, pancakes and omelets. Reasonably priced. Although there are socially distanced tables indoors, there are 4-5 outdoor tables
Tazor D.
Jul 17, 2020
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Tom P.
Jun 23, 2020
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Donuts are a vacation tradition for us, so when I headed out on a run on a cool, overcast morning, and passed by this cute little bakery, I decided to grab a dozen doughnuts for the kids. I picked out chocolate iced, sprinkles, white iced w chocolate squiggly designs, and some caramel cinnamon donuts.
I did not personally eat any of the doughnuts, but here is what the rest of the family had to say:
"The dough was really fluffy"
"These were really good!"
"Thats the best donut I ever had!"
Dad for the win!
I did not personally eat any of the doughnuts, but here is what the rest of the family had to say:
"The dough was really fluffy"
"These were really good!"
"Thats the best donut I ever had!"
Dad for the win!
Desiree R.
Dec 28, 2019
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Mitch C.
Oct 05, 2019
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We spent a collaborative $30 with many many different treats-- donuts, turtle brownies, snickers brownies, cake, cookies, and baklava. We really went in there expecting good baked sweets. When we got home and started trying all the different products, all four of us thought the desserts were terrible and bland. In fact, I've never had such bland treats. Everything tasted like a pre-packaged store bought product. None of us will ever return as there are other bakeries in S Haven.
Kitty C.
Jul 11, 2019
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The woman at the counter was really sassy. Here's our exchange:
Me: hi! Could you tell me what's in the fudge? I can't have soybean oil.
Her: no, i dont know we just sell it here
Me: it says homemade fudge in the window?
Her: well they make it in the back but I don't have a recipe book to know what's in it
Me: ok... could you ask them in the back?
Her: ok what is it you can't have?
Me: soy
Her: ok I'll ask about suey
Suffice to say we did not make a purchase of fudge. Place seems very popular with what I assume are (elderly) regulars/locals. My parents got a
Me: hi! Could you tell me what's in the fudge? I can't have soybean oil.
Her: no, i dont know we just sell it here
Me: it says homemade fudge in the window?
Her: well they make it in the back but I don't have a recipe book to know what's in it
Me: ok... could you ask them in the back?
Her: ok what is it you can't have?
Me: soy
Her: ok I'll ask about suey
Suffice to say we did not make a purchase of fudge. Place seems very popular with what I assume are (elderly) regulars/locals. My parents got a
Chelsi B.
Dec 13, 2018
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Whether you want to take home some baked goodies or eat some delicious food in restaurant, you'll be pleased with you're experience at The Golden Brown Bakery. I personally frequent the one in Saint Joseph more, but I have stopped in with my family for a quick bite to eat and also took some cookies to go here a few times. I love their eggs, toast, hash browns, doughnuts and cookies. Their employees are always kind and quick. I always leave happy.
Tristan H.
Mar 23, 2017
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Several physicians with whom I worked used to routinely go to eat lunch at this bakery. They said the food was simple and inexpensive and it tasted good. So, hearing that, when I had a chance to accompany them I did. I went with them about a dozen times over 10 years. And, as they said, the food was simple and inexpensive and it tasted good. But it was nothing out of the ordinary. And following the basic rule that a restaurant to catch my eye has to be able to make food better than I could - well, I could make a grilled cheese sandwich that was as good or better, and I could make a Sloppy
