Coastie’s Bakery moving into former Ryals’ space

Published 7:00 am Wednesday, September 7, 2022

A bakery by any other name can produce treats just as tasty and sweet. 

At least that’s what the new owners of what was formerly Ryals’ Bakery believe. 

The downtown Milledgeville business was purchased in late July by husband-and-wife duo Wayne and Shawna Weschrek, who plan to reopen in the coming weeks under the new name Coastie’s Bakery. 

Opened in 1973, Ryals’ Bakery was a beloved Milledgeville institution for nearly 50 years after the Ryals family took over from previous owners the Kirkpatricks. The Ryals family announced their intent to sell the business in late 2018 and closed the doors near the end of last year. Kenny Ryals, son to owners Jacob and Maggie Ryals, told The Union-Recorder back in early 2019 that time was a major reason the family was looking to sell. Kenny served as the chief baker and decorator, pouring nearly all the time he had into running the bakery the right way. His plan was to sell while he still had his health and could help whoever wound up buying the business with the transition. 

Now the space at 135 S. Wayne St. belongs to the Weschreks. Married in 2011, both Wayne and Shawna are United States Coast Guard retirees with more than 20 years served each, hence the bakery’s new name. The business’ Facebook page says that Coastie’s offers “creative custom confectionary creations — a little bit of military, a lot of flair.” The couple has been baking specialty cakes out of their home for more than a decade, which is a service they plan to bring into their new venture along with grab-and-go treats such as French macarons, chocolate-covered strawberries, caramel apples, and, yes, the Ryals’ famed smiley face cookie. 

“They’re on the list,” Wayne Weschrek said. “We’re going to keep some classic Ryals’ and bring in some new.” 

Work began the day after the Weschreks signed the paperwork to buy the bakery as the business is currently receiving a top-to-bottom makeover. A lot has been done, but a lot also remains, which is why the new owners don’t have a concrete opening date as of yet. 

“We’re getting there,” said Shawna. 

“We’re going to open as soon as we’re happy,” Wayne added. “We’re not going to rush opening. We’re going to get this place right so everything is good to go.”

The couple says to keep an eye on the Coastie’s Bakery Facebook page for opening announcements and other news about their business.

“We’re excited and we’re grateful for the support and welcome we’ve received from the community already,” said Shawna.