The doors of the little house at 4239 Niles Road in St. Joseph opened to the public at 8:00 a.m on February 17th, where the fabulous scent of freshly brewed coffee and sweet goods wafted through the neighborhood. The brand new shop, Merry Little Baker, eased its way into an official opening, and the community is delighted, and hungry, to welcome the small business.
The glimmering display cases are overflowing with scrumptious treats, like plump muffins, sweet cinnamon rolls, and almond breakfast cake, and the homemade inventory changes frequently. From Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m to 3 p.m, the crew delightfully serves customers and fulfills orders, excited to greet new faces and make new friends.
“Back in 2020, when I think a lot of people had a little extra time on their hands to do a little life evaluating, I decided I was going to open a bakery,” says the Merry Little Baker, Teri Harris. “I had been baking and catering on the side for quite some time, and was hoping to find a location with a commercial kitchen so that I could expand, since I was outgrowing my home kitchen.”
For the last fourteen years, Teri and her husband owned and operated the Two Buccaneers Roasted Corn Boat at the Berrien County Youth Fair. With all of their food service experience, and no stranger to our busy summer months, the decision to open her own brick-and-mortar business was an easy one.
“My friend Julie from Core Real Estate sent me pictures of the building, but it took me a week or two to go see it in person,” Teri says. “I knew it was on the small side, having visited it when it was a gift shop. But when I saw it again, something just tugged at my heart. It has so much charm and personality!”
Merry Little Baker, on a well-traveled road, with busy nearby neighborhoods, sits on the corner property that houses Mr. Goody’s Restaurant and the Village Lamp Shoppe. “The location, from my personal standpoint, is simply beautiful. I love having the open lot next to me with the tall trees, the white fence, and woods across the street,” says Teri.
Choosing her favorite baked good was not a quick decision, but she decided she likes her turnovers the best. (You’ll have to stop in for one and see!) Teri comes from a family who bakes from scratch, touting that “it’s the only way to bake, in my book. It just tastes better that way!” Delicious baked goods pair perfectly with a robust cup of joe, and Merry Little Baker proudly serves Red Arrow Roasters Coffee. The independent roastery, another SWMI business, is located in Harbert, and has acted as a coffee mentor for the new bakery. “Jessica is just wonderful. She’s a small business owner too, so she just gets it,” says Teri. Enjoy hot or cold drip coffee, espresso beverages, and seasonal drinks as new ideas emerge.
The many choices of breads, scones, danish, cookies, (and more), offer your taste buds a mini vacation, as we patiently wait for warmer weather. “I have many sources for fresh fruits come the next few seasons,” says Teri. “Michigan berries are just better!” Spring is just around the corner, and so is Merry Little Baker! Follow their social media page to learn about specials, updates, and to catch drool-worthy photos. Congratulations, and welcome!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
