Bittersweet bakers: 17 Berkshire closing, Jacques Louise opening in Midtown
Nuha Abuduhair is the owner of 17 Berkshire. (Courtesy Kim Thomas)
Though recently named a semifinalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards’ outstanding U.S. bakery category, 17 Berkshire announced Thursday, April 3, it will close.
But another bakery will soon take over the Midtown space.
“It is so bittersweet,” Savannah Kenney, owner of gluten-free Jacques Louise Bakery, said about the changes to 2084 Trimble Place in Overton Square.
17 Berkshire owner Nuha Abuduhair also used the word bittersweet in a social media post.
“After seven years of being a shop owner, it is bittersweet that I announce that this chapter of 17 Berkshire is closing,” Abuduhair said on social media. “Owning a bakery in this city was a dream come true, but now I am focusing fully on being ‘Mom.’”
17 Berkshire will close both its Overton Square and Saddle Creek locations on Saturday, April 12.
Savannah Kenney, owner of gluten-free Jacques Louise Bakery, will take over 17 Berkshire’s space in Overton Square. (Courtesy Jacques Louise Bakery)
“It means so much to be recognized — to me and my team,” Abuduhair told The Daily Memphian of the James Beard award nomination. “We really did create something so special and so beautiful.”
Jacques Louise will take over the Overton Square space.
“To step into her space is such an honor.” Kenney said. “But as a friend and customer, it makes me so sad.”
Kenney has operated her gluten-free bakery as an online business since December 2021. A fire in late February damaged her kitchen, and she has been actively looking for a new space to bake since then.
A storefront has been a goal that is now coming true.
Kenney said she hopes to open by early summer, if not sooner. Her main priority will be to clean the bakery to make sure it is a gluten-free space.
When the new shop opens, Kenney plans to keep her current menu but expects to expand her offerings over time.
“We will be keeping 17 Berkshire’s coffee bar and drink station. That is new for us,” she added.
Abuduhair expressed gratitude that the bakery space will be handed over to Jacques Louise.
“We are passing the torch to our dear friends at Jacques Louise Bakery,” Abuduhair said on social media. “I know you will love them as much as I do.”
Topics
17 Berkshire Jacques Louise Bakery Overton Square Subscriber OnlyAre you enjoying your subscription?
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Jennifer Chandler
A cookbook author and former restaurateur, Jennifer Chandler has been writing about food and dining for more than 25 years.
She is the author of four cookbooks: “The Southern Pantry Cookbook,” “Simply Salads,” “Simply Suppers,” and “Simply Grilling.” While she boasts a degree from Le Cordon Bleu, this Memphis native is about making real food accessible for real families.
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