Honoring the Inspiring Women and Traditions Behind The Kolachi Lady 

Grandma Mary – The Original Kolachi Lady
Grandma Mary, lovingly known as The Kolachi Lady, is one of the cherished namesakes of our bakery. Along with another beloved grandmother, she inspired a tradition rooted in love, family, and the art of baking. From the time her granddaughters were little, she patiently taught them how to roll her beloved Kolachi — a recipe so special it’s been passed down and treasured for generations. Now, 47 years later, we’re still rolling out her recipe with the same care and love, so your family can enjoy the sweet tradition that started in her kitchen.

Grandma Ruth has been a guiding light and loving influence behind The Kolachi Lady Bakery. Proud of her Slovak roots, she lovingly passed down cherished family recipes — and thanks to Grandpa, a few treasured Italian ones too. Together, they made magic in the kitchen: he pressed the pizzelles and helped frost the anise cookies, while she shared her wisdom and warmth in every dish. Today, their traditions live on through our baked goods, now making their way into your home, so you and your family can share in the love and legacy they created.

Sue – The Pizzelle Queen

Sue’s all-time favorite to make? Pizzelles — crisp, delicate, and full of tradition. Passed down from her father, Ray, the treasured family recipe has been lovingly perfected over time. Sue has shared her pizzelle-making wisdom with Nicole and her daughters, ensuring every batch stays true to its Italian roots. Today, even Nicole’s husband carries on the tradition by pressing the pizzelles, just like Papa used to. Thanks to Sue, these crisp and flavorful cookies continue to bring joy, one pizzelle at a time — because Italian traditions truly are the best!

Doreen’s kitchen is where memories are made and dessert is always the main event. Known as The Baker of her family, she’s famous for her irresistible Banana Cake and beloved Clothespin Cookies — a staple in our bakery today. Doreen has lovingly passed down many of the recipes we cherish, and she continues to inspire new ones with her creativity and passion. Whether it’s answering baking questions or perfecting the next sweet masterpiece, Doreen is our go-to and the true heart behind so much of what we do. A baker through and through!

Mia & Erica. Mia and Erica are the spirited sister duo keeping our family’s baking legacy alive — and adding their own delicious twist! Mia’s favorite is the classic Nut Kolachi, while Erica can’t resist anything gluten-free and chocolate. Both share a deep love for our famous Pumpkin Rolls. With Mia’s passion for baking and Erica’s enthusiasm for taste-testing every new gluten-free creation, these two aren’t just following in the family footsteps — they’re paving the way for the next generation of bakers with creativity, heart, and plenty of sugar.

At the heart of our bakery is Michele, whose passion for baking shines through in every batch of her perfected Oatmeal Toffee Scotchies — a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Her journey began in the kitchen alongside her beloved Grandma Mary, where flour-dusted counters and shared laughter became the foundation of cherished memories. Among the many lessons passed down, it was Grandma Mary's unforgettable laugh that left the sweetest impression. This bakery is a tribute to their type of bond, their traditions, and the joy that comes from baking with love.

Cathi: A shining light in my life, whose spirit inspires and whose kindness endures. From her journeys around the world to her love of simple joys—coconut cream pie with cream and no-bake chocolate cookies—Cathi reminds us that life’s sweetest treasures are often the simplest.

Anna: Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Calabria, Italy, Anna brings generations of love and tradition into every dish she prepares. From her famous Taralli to time-honored family recipes, she pours her heart into cooking and baking for her family, neighbors, and friends. Recently, Anna has begun passing down her treasured recipes and kitchen secrets to her daughter-in-law and granddaughters,  just as her mother and grandmother once did. This heartfelt dedication celebrates Anna’s passion for preserving her Italian roots and sharing the joy of homemade food with those she loves most.

Sharon: Like her sister Sue, Sharon draws deep inspiration from her Slovak and Italian roots each time she steps into the kitchen. Her signature pumpkin cookies and delicate pizzelles are more than just treats — they’re treasured family traditions passed down and perfected over the years. With every batch, Sharon honors the flavors of her heritage and the memories that make them truly timeless. She has been a huge inspiration to the development of this bakery as many of the recipes have been passed down for all of you to enjoy!