Sale of popular Lexington bakery falls through. Will it reopen?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Bluegrass Baking sale collapsed; owners Jim and Francine Betts stay on.
- Bakery will reopen Jan 13; ovens staying on to resume baking.
- Community praises 35-year artisanal bakery that uses a 100-year yeast.
Bluegrass Baking Company owners Jim and Francine Betts won’t be stepping away from the business quite yet after all.
The popular local bakery had announced plans to transition to a new owner after Christmas. But in a social media post on Jan. 7, they announced the bakery’s sale had fallen through, and they will be reopening later this month.
“The rumors of our retirement were vastly overstated. We shared some big news recently, but plans have changed. Our potential buyers backed out, which means we’re still here and the ovens are staying on while we figure out what’s next. Come get fresh bread and pastries from some familiar faces starting January 13th,” the Instagram post said.
“I am in conversation with a couple of folks about buying and running the (business) but nothing firm now. So for the next 6 months the bakery will carry on as before,” Jim Betts said via text.
But fans were chiming in online, welcoming the news. “I’m so sorry it fell through,” one patron said. “I know a lot of people that are jumping for join rn though to have you all back even if for a little.”
“Sorry to hear that but so glad to be able to stop by and grab goodies again soon,” said another.
Jim and Francine Betts began their business 35 years ago, specializing in artisanal bread made from the same 100-year-old yeast starter.
Their boules, baguettes, pastries and challah were coveted by individual customers and, before the COVID pandemic, many restaurants.
This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 11:39 AM.
