Simply Stacy’s gets a warm welcome in Eaton Rapids

When Dave Crawford first told Stacy VanElls, a close friend and home baker, that he wanted to open a bakery with her, she didn’t think it was possible.

“I first brought it up to her about a year ago, and she didn’t believe me,” Crawford said. “But here we are today.”

Simply Stacy’s Bakery and Deli celebrated its grand opening Monday (Feb. 23), bringing fresh-baked goods and deli-style sandwiches to downtown Eaton Rapids. The business is run by VanElls and Crawford, alongside Crawford’s wife, Tammy, and is the first of its kind in the city.

“Eaton Rapids is an amazing community,” Crawford said. “They have a bakery, per se, but they don’t have the deli-style sandwiches. They’ve got a couple of restaurants, a couple of bars and fast food. So, I just felt as though having a place like this would be a great addition to the community.”

Seeing how busy the shop was on its first day, it’s clear the community agrees. Crawford spoke with City Pulse quickly between taking and preparing orders, mentioning that eight dozen cinnamon rolls had already been sold after about five hours of operation.

“It’s been busy since the time we opened the doors,” Crawford said.

The enormous cinnamon rolls, as well as cupcakes, cookies and more unique options like chocolate-covered pretzels and Oreos, will please the sweet tooths among the shop’s clientele.

But the deli isn’t an afterthought. The meats, including ham, roasted turkey, roast beef, grilled chicken and hard salami, are Boar’s Head brand, and so are the cheeses. Customers can order from the menu or build their own sandwich on white, wheat, sourdough or ciabatta bread.

“My goal was to serve quality products at as affordable prices as possible,” Crawford said.

The shop does not offer dine-in seating, just takeout.

Crawford said he’s excited to bring more variety to the Eaton Rapids food scene, particularly with the deli, and to help a friend take the next step in pursuing her passion.

“I know this has been a lifelong dream for her,” he said of VanElls.