Community Highlights: Meet Lu Ann Graf of Annie’s Baked Goods

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lu Ann Graf

Hi Lu Ann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved to bake and grew up baking from scratch alongside my mom. Often I would bake for others who either didn’t like baking or didn’t have the time. I wanted to do something rewarding in my retirement years so decided to start a Cottage Home Business in 2016. It got so busy that I toyed with the idea of becoming a commercial baker, and that turned into opening my own shop. Although I am no longer the only baker (I have 4 fabulous employees that keep things humming), I do still love baking for others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Although I managed a non-profit for 16 years and was familiar with the community, nothing can really prepare you for the unknown challenges of owning a small business. Of course Covid brought new challenges for many small businesses but because we are a drive-through/walk-up service only, we were inordinately busy during the lock down. It was hard to anticipate the needs/wants of our customers and the supply chain shortages, along with inflation which made many days filled with unexpected challenges. Once things settled down from the lock down, it became difficult to find reliable employees but thankfully we are now in a good place with that. I had a major health event in 2024 and without the fabulous employees that I have, and the amazing family support I have always had, I probably would not still be in business

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Annie’s Baked Goods?
Annie’s is a very non-traditional bakery in that we have no inside customer interaction. Most of our day-to-day business is done through our drive-through or walk up window. We literally bake everything which means we don’t offer donuts which puzzles some who think all bakeries should have donuts. We just explain that we don’t have a fryer and everything is baked. We are known for our wonderful desserts and cheesecakes that we sell by the slice but we offer a plethora of other baked goods as well: cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, cake pops, cinnamon rolls, bagels, yeast breads, muffins, scones, turnovers, candies, breakfast casserole, quiche, freezer meals, sandwiches on brioche buns and more.

We do a lot of custom baking, often using a recipe provided by a customer, or adjusting a recipe they are familiar with from our offerings. Many of our customers use our services for events and though we do not do “fancy” – we do delicious.

We are open longer hours (7:30-5:00) than a traditional bakery, to serve those who work and need our services either before or after the work day. February-December we are also open a Saturdays from 8-noon.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how the community supports local business. Our customers are very complimentary and many of them have become friends!

I am not a winter lover so that is the only thing I like least as it negatively affects local business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anniesbakedgoodsmi.com/
• Instagram: anniesbakedgoods
• Facebook: Annie’s Baked Goods