The Eat Shop
Vendor
About
The Eat Shop is a boutique bakery in Solon, IA. We specialize in handcrafted baked goods made entirely from scratch. Our heirloom recipes come from our founder’s Great Aunt, Mary Ann Drahos. She ran Mary Ann’s Eat Shop in Cedar Rapids from 1936 to 1950. At The Eat Shop, we use only the finest ingredients creating delicious baked goods that are Worth. Every. Bite.
Location
Solon, IA
Manager
As far back as I can remember, my mom was always in the kitchen baking up something delicious. From weekly homemade pizzas, to gooey cinnamon rolls and fresh apple pies - she made it all. With four growing kids in the house, her baked goods vanished as quickly as she could make them!
Growing up, baking in our family was a daily occurrence. Everyone baked: my grandmas; aunts; great aunts. Everyone. It wasn’t until early adulthood that I realized my family’s love of baking was quite unique, and I soon learned why.
In 1936, my Great Aunt opened a restaurant in Cedar Rapids, IA, called Mary Ann’s Eat Shop. Her home-cooked offerings were delicious. The restaurant’s popularity grew rapidly, and it became a staple in town. Mary Ann’s Eat Shop eventually doubled its seating capacity to accommodate its seemingly endless line of customers. After 14 successful years, Mary Ann decided to sell her restaurant.
In today’s world, a successful female-owned small business is a rarity. I can’t imagine the endless obstacles my Great Aunt overcame in the 1930s to make her restaurant a success. She was a trailblazer and I am honored to be carrying on her tradition in Eastern Iowa.
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