YoYo Donuts, a family-owned bakery business based in Minnesota, US, is re-opening the Thirsty Whale Bakery which had recently closed.

Alise and Luke McGregor, the owners of YoYo Donuts, saw local news coverage of the Thirsty Whale Bakery and noticed the level of support it attracted when previous owner Kyle Baker wanted to close it in early December 2023, citing financial pressure.

As reported in the Star Tribune, the McGregors are now taking ownership of the Thirsty Whale, and Kyle Baker will work with them.

Customers are being encouraged to resume placing orders from re-opening day, 18 December.

The bakery is known for its custom cakes and gained popularity after it was featured on Food Network's Halloween Baking Championship in 2019.

Alise McGregor said: “[When] we read about the bakery and how sad people were about its closing, we decided to do something.

“We're excited to bring this storefront back to life and create synergy between the Thirsty Whale Bakery and YoYo Donuts by being able to offer a more complete bakery portfolio.”

Luke McGregor said: “This is about bakers helping bakers and saving a small business during a time when many are having to shut their doors. We look forward to welcoming customers back next Monday, 18 December.”

The new owners plan to expand the capability of the two bakeries to ship products across the country.

Established in 2010, YoYo Donuts offers donuts, pastries, ice creams and handmade beverages. It also undertakes special orders for customised donuts.