A piece of pie, a slice of charity

HOBART | Marilyn's Bakery has restarted its pie production and is serving a slice of charity.

The bakery, 8960 E. Ridge Road, reopened Tuesday after being closed during January and February.

To celebrate 25 years, Marilyn's will donate $2.50 to charity for each large pie sold through Friday. Customers can choose the charity among the Hobart Food Pantry, the Caring Place or Sacred Transformation.

"We are honoring these organizations and share our success with those who selflessly offer themselves," said Barbara Tracy, store president of Marilyn's Bakery.

Tracy's mother, Marilyn Johnson Pearson, opened the bakery in a small workspace at Johnson's Farm Produce in June 1986.

"My mom's aunt, Carol Brenn, had a little bakery and was ready to retire and was willing to pass down her bakery knowledge and equipment to my mom," Tracy said.

Initially, Pearson made apple, cherry and pecan pies as well as white bread. Her shop was open only a few months during the year.

About 12 years ago, the bakery, which also serves fresh soups and sandwiches during lunch, expanded to its current location.

A lot of the recipes Pearson used for the bakery came from a church cookbook or were handed down through the family, Tracy said.

"The only secret recipe is the one for Sugar Cream Pie," she said.

Pearson, who co-owns the business with her daughter, enjoys taking off to Florida for about two months and coming back with fresh ideas.

"I love to do all the fun stuff," Pearson said.

"When I started the bakery, I wanted everything that came out to be good. ... I want it to taste like you made it or grandma or Aunt Betty," Pearson said.

For more information, call (219) 962-2253 or visit www.MarilynsBakery.com.