Amazing Grace Café and Grocery in Canal Park will close on Feb. 27 according to a news release from owner Connor Riley.

“The Grace is a family-owned business with deep roots in Duluth,” Riley wrote. “Unfortunately, the pandemic and its aftermath have made closing the right decision.”

Amazing Grace opened in 1995 as a bakery and café with frequent live music. It was founded by Chip Stewart and Doug Zahn. Stewart died in 2009 from cancer. His life partner, Marcie Stoyke, then became the owner and sold to Riley, who is her son, in 2016.

In June 2020, Riley began the process of converting the café into a grocery store and wholesale bakery.

Connor Riley in 2021 – Photo by Lissa Maki

WDIO-TV: “Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe to close”
Northern News Now: “Amazing Grace Bakery to close after 27 years of business”
Duluth News Tribune: “Duluth’s Amazing Grace to close, after 27-year run as bakery, gathering spot and music venue”
Fox 21: “Duluth’s Amazing Grace to host ‘last hurrah’ after 27 years in business”