Legends and Pioneers.

Cheryl and Griff Day will be described by so many people any number of ways when they finally close the doors on their immensely successful bakery come February, but those two words up there should be at the top of any conversation.

Savannah’s Back in the Day Bakery announced they will be closing their doors, yes for good, on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. The announcement was made overnight via social media. It ends a 22 year run in what has become one of the most sought after sections of the Savannah, The Starland District.

There wasn’t much around when the Days opened their doors, but they very much subscribed to the ‘if we build it they will come’ philosophy. Not only did Savannah answer the call, but so did the rest of the country. Following the release of two best-selling cookbooks, you could have made the argument at one point that Back in the Day Bakery was nearly as synonymous with Savannah as Paula Deen. That is not hyperbole. Back in the Day Bakery was a national brand.

Chefs came from near and far for a few bites. Tourists found it long before GPS and Instabooks could lead you right to their door.

From the outside, everything appeared to change following the shut down in 2020. The bakery eventually returned, but the dining area was gone. Service was limited to a take out window along Bull Street. While they remained -and are to this day-incredibly popular, hours were limited. Without indoor seating it just wasn’t the same.

In 2023 it was revealed that their building was for sale. Not to just anyone, but to someone who would do something that fit the neighborhood. The Days made it clear that they were in no hurry to sell, but they also knew that eventually they would.

“We’re excited about what is coming and confident that you will be too.” Was part of their very early Thursday morning social media post.

As is usually the case with announcements like this, hearts will be broken across Savannah. It not only signals the end of a significant era in this town, but also more change along the food front. The latter of which not everyone enjoys.

Still, I’m guessing the Days lost count long ago on the number of all nighters they pulled in their bakery making sure everything was hot, fresh and delicious when Savannah began to trickle in first thing in the morning. At the age of 62, Cheryl Day has earned the right to call her own shot.

Their announcement adds that until February 14th, they will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from 10am until 3pm. On February 17th they are planning a big closing sale where you might be able to score some treasures from a Savannah institution.

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