Everything you see is the fulfillment of my original dream of bringing nourishing Artisan Breads and authentic European Pastries, alongside delicious food (including many German specialties) in a cheerful and cozy atmosphere to you.

Silke's Breads has grown from the original bakery located in our family's converted garage to a wonderful centrally-located venue close to Clarksville's downtown area where you can enjoy breakfast meet-ups, lunch dates, or a casual coffee date and a snack. Quality, flavor, and friendly service are always of the highest priority here.

Our story began in 1999 on our family's return trip from Germany. Whenever I was able to visit Germany, I would spend time in all the wonderful local bakeries while dreaming of owning my own, and it was no different on this particular trip. Back then, I was already baking bread for my family and friends from home, with our boys running around the kitchen, and had started the Sourdough that, to this day, makes many of our breads rise.

The moment that changed everything. . .

As I sat down in my airplane seat on the return flight, the in-flight magazine was drawing my attention as I saw a picture of a loaf of bread on the front cover with the title, "Bread Rises". The article chronicled the renaissance of artisan bakeries in America and how there were many family-owned bakeries starting to emerge because of their passion for their craft and love for baking. To me, with goosebumps all over my arms and a nudge in my heart, this was my sign to take the skills I had already been practicing at home and start my own Bakery in Clarksville! So, in August 2000, Silke's Old World Breads was born from humble beginnings in our small commercial bakery that my husband Tim and I and our two boys added to our home.

From the very beginning, the philosophy was to bake fresh bread made from scratch with real ingredients using the traditional methods of handcrafting loaves. This meant using fresh Sourdough and slow fermentation techniques, which not only bring out the natural flavor but also allow for harmonious digestion of the breads. Incorporating many seeds, nuts, whole flours, and grains into the creations - and only what was truly required for real bread without all the artificial additives - has always been our philosophy and remains so to this day.

While we have seen and experienced many shifts over the years, our unwavering dedication to the highest quality, consistency, and philosophies has remained.

We added our Café in 2005 and the Deli in 2012, housed in the historic warehouse located on College Street. Our commitment to providing traditional and healthy food has extended into the wide selection of German specialties we offer. All are handmade and fresh, including our large daily variety of made-from-scratch Pastries.

In the Deli, besides our Artisan Breads and Pastries, you will find German meats, gourmet cheeses, foods from local vendors, and many other goodies like honey and preserves.

In the Café, you can indulge in a large menu selection, including Pizzas with our handmade crust, Sandwiches using our Breads, Soups, Salads, and traditional German foods like Schnitzel. We also offer the largest variety of Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free foods in town! For me, as a Vegetarian for 30 years, it was important to offer the most delicious Plant-Based selections.

Whether you enjoy a cup of Coffee, a specialty Latté with a fresh slice of Black Forest Cake, or if a Vegan Pastry with a Chai Tea made with Soy Milk sounds like the perfect combination, you will feel like you are at home in our cozy atmosphere. There is even a room for small-group gatherings.

Everything is prepared right in front of you, and our friendly staff (comprised of just the best, most wonderful people, by the way) is more than happy to help you customize your meal. Come on in, enjoy your dining experience while your kids have fun in our play area, and be nourished by us!

Thank you for your business. We appreciate you!

We are proud to have seen kids grow up with us and our foods, and for many to consider our place a home away from home. The fact that we are a staple of our beautiful Clarksville community fills our hearts with such joy!

May you continue to create many beautiful memories at Silke's with your friends and family!

Love, Silke & Tim, and our wonderful Team