The Bitter-Sweet Legacy: What Happened To Amazing Grace Bakery And Cafe Duluth And Where To Find Its 'Spiritual Successors'
For over 27 years, Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe in Duluth, Minnesota, was more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee or a fresh-baked scone; it was a Canal Park institution, a hub for live music, and a purveyor of some of the North Shore’s most beloved whole-grain breads and homemade jams. As of late February 2022, however, this legendary basement-level cafe has officially closed its doors, leaving a significant void in the city's culinary and cultural landscape. The closure, attributed to the persistent challenges of the pandemic and its aftermath, marked the end of an era that began with a bold vision in 1995.
The story of Amazing Grace is one of community, commitment to scratch-made food, and a deep connection to Duluth’s artistic soul. Its legacy continues to echo through the city, even as a new, equally beloved local business has taken over its historic space in the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace. This deep dive explores the cafe’s rich history, the visionaries who built it, the menu items that became local legends, and where former patrons can now find a taste of its enduring spirit in December 2025.
The Founders and The Vision: A Biographical Snapshot
Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe was the brainchild of two passionate individuals who saw the potential in a then-underdeveloped Canal Park area. Their commitment to creating a welcoming community space with high-quality, homemade food set the foundation for its long-lasting success.
- Chip Stewart (Co-Founder):
- Role: Co-Founder of Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe.
- Vision: Instrumental in establishing the cafe in 1995 with a focus on whole-grain baked goods, coffee, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Personal Life: Life partner of Marcie Stoyke.
- Death: Passed away in 2009 from cancer, but his vision continued to guide the cafe for over a decade.
- Doug Zahn (Co-Founder):
- Role: Co-Founder of the original bakery and cafe in 1995.
- Vision: Shared Stewart's belief that Canal Park was destined to become a major tourist destination and cultural center.
- Marcie Stoyke (Former Owner):
- Role: Took over the business after Stewart's death, continuing its operation and legacy.
- Transition: Sold the business to her son, Connor Riley, in 2016.
- Connor Riley (Final Owner):
- Role: Owner from 2016 until the final closure in February 2022.
- Decision: Oversaw the cafe's final years, including the difficult decision to close due to pandemic-related challenges.
The Closure and The New Tenant: A Canal Park Transition
The news of the closure, which took place on February 27, 2022, resonated deeply throughout the Duluth community. After 27 years, the cafe had become woven into the fabric of the city, representing a unique blend of counter-culture charm and culinary excellence.
The Reasons Behind the Final Curtain
The final owner, Connor Riley, cited the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary catalyst for the decision. The business had already undergone a transition, shifting its focus to a grocery and cafe model to adapt to the changing landscape. Despite these efforts, the economic and logistical challenges proved insurmountable for the business that had long been a staple in the basement of the historic DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace.
For many, the closure was a sign of the times, marking the end of a beloved era where live acoustic music and the smell of fresh-baked bread defined a Canal Park morning. The cafe was famously located in the basement of a century-old warehouse, giving it a cozy, tucked-away atmosphere that was a stark contrast to the bustling tourist area above.
What Replaced Amazing Grace?
In a positive turn for the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace and local food scene, the space vacated by Amazing Grace did not stay empty for long. Another highly-regarded Duluth institution, Northern Waters Smokehaus, moved into the basement location.
- Northern Waters Smokehaus: This treasured deli, famous for its smoked fish, meats, and incredible sandwiches, moved from its smaller, main-level location into the much larger former Amazing Grace space.
- A Local Success Story: The move allowed Northern Waters Smokehaus to expand its operations significantly, ensuring that the historic basement continues to serve as a cornerstone of Canal Park's culinary offerings.
The Enduring Legacy: Bread, Jam, and the Duluth Music Scene
The true measure of Amazing Grace is not its closing date, but the indelible marks it left on the city. The cafe was a pioneer in the local food movement and a critical venue for artists, making it a "legend on the Duluth music scene."
The Menu Staples That Became Legends
The cafe’s menu was built on a simple, yet profound, philosophy: healthy, made-from-scratch food. While the atmosphere was often described as "hippie" or "cozy," the quality of the ingredients and the preparation was consistently lauded.
- Whole-Grain Bread: The cafe was most famous for its incredible whole-grain bread, which was often served toasted with a side of their signature homemade jam.
- Homemade Jams: The strawberry rhubarb jam, in particular, was a local favorite, often mentioned in reviews as a perfect accompaniment to their baked goods.
- Baked Goods: Beyond the bread, the cafe was known for its delicious pastries, including large, decadent pecan caramel rolls and a wide variety of muffins and cinnamon rolls.
- Coffee and Breakfast: The cafe was noted for serving the "top hippie breakfast-cappuccino in town," providing a warm, honest hometown experience to both locals and tourists.
The Live Music and Community Hub
From its inception, Amazing Grace was designed to be a community space. It hosted frequent live music events, transforming the basement into a cozy, intimate venue for local musicians. This commitment to the arts cemented its status as a cultural anchor in Duluth, far beyond its role as a cafe.
This dedication to fostering a local scene is what many patrons miss the most. The combination of great food, excellent coffee, and a stage for local talent created an atmosphere that was truly unique and irreplaceable.
Where to Find the 'Spiritual Successors' of Amazing Grace
While no single location can replicate the unique charm and history of Amazing Grace, the spirit of its mission—combining scratch-made bread, excellent coffee, and a community focus—lives on in other Duluth establishments. Former patrons often discuss where to find the closest thing to the Amazing Grace experience.
- For the Bread Enthusiast: Duluth's Best Bread
Often cited as a modern successor to Amazing Grace's baking tradition, Duluth's Best Bread offers high-quality, artisanal loaves and pastries. They have a strong local following and uphold a similar commitment to scratch-made excellence.
- For the Cozy Cafe Vibe: Studio Cafe and The Loch
For those who miss the cozy, art-focused atmosphere, places like Studio Cafe are mentioned as providing a similar intimate setting with great coffee and food. The Loch is also a popular go-to coffee spot, though patrons sometimes wish for a wider variety of baked goods, reflecting the high standard set by Amazing Grace.
- For the Canal Park Landmark: Northern Waters Smokehaus
Though the menu is entirely different, Northern Waters Smokehaus carries the torch of being a beloved, locally-owned culinary landmark in the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace basement. Visiting this spot allows patrons to experience the historic location and support a business with deep Duluth roots.
The story of Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe is a powerful reminder of how a local business can transcend its commercial role to become a true community asset. Its 27-year run in Canal Park is a celebrated chapter in Duluth's history, and while the doors are closed, its influence on the city's food and music scenes remains an enduring legacy.
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