In 1983, Mary Hostetter was busy in her home kitchen creating an assortment of homemade pastries, cookies, cakes, cheesecakes, pies and candies. Her exposure at local craft festivals drew many fans and followers well before the days of Instagram. With her phone ringing off-the-hook, in December of 1984, she received orders for over 30,000 homemade cookies and pastries. Mary worked 21 hours a day, seven days a week to fill each and every order.
Her dream to have a location with commercial equipment and a few employees to help became a reality in 1985 when she took over The Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery located in the historic river town of Kimmswick, Missouri.
The recipes born in Mary’s home kitchen have since gone on to gain national recognition. Features in Oprah’s O Magazine, the ‘Today Show’, The Food Network Magazine, Midwest Living, Bon Appetit, and The Wall Street Journal have drawn people from all over the world to take a break from the busy world and enjoy a homemade meal and fabulous desserts.
Twenty-five years later, the Blue Owl still sits perched upon the banks of the Mississippi River. Her staff of 5 has grown to 75, complete with a separate commercial kitchen and baking center ran by Mary’s own daughter Kim. The Blue Owl Sweet Shoppe production facility produces all of the Blue Owl baked goods, as well as supports the shipping, wedding and wholesale departments.
CHEF’S GALLERY
Take a look around real-life True setups. Our restaurateurs are proud to show the True name in their establishments as they craft memorable meals for their guests.
WHY I BUY TRUE
“Having been in business all of these years, I love True. It lasts forever and absolutely keeps all of our temperatures correct.”
— Mary Hostetter, Master Baker and Owner
FEATURED RECIPE
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecake
The ultimate in Valentine's desserts, you can't pass up this subtly-sweet, chocolatey cheesecake.
Chef's Choice
Explore True's innovative solutions to support your bakery needs.
GDM-26-HC~TSL01
Merchandisers
Swing Door Refrigerator with Hydrocarbon Refrigerant~True Standard Look Version 01
GDM-26-HC~TSL01
Merchandisers
Swing Door Refrigerator with Hydrocarbon Refrigerant~True Standard Look Version 01
GDM-26-HC~TSL01
Merchandisers
Swing Door Refrigerator with Hydrocarbon Refrigerant~True Standard Look Version 01
#TRUECOLDPASSION
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