Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Sweetheart Bakery and Homer’s Deli

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Sweetheart Bakery and Homer’s Deli of Clinton County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.

“Founded by real sweethearts almost 75 years ago, Sweetheart Bakery and Homer’s Deli continues to operate as a family business today,” said Chair Ernst. “Whether it is their homemade breads, custom cakes, or original Blarney Stones, the Thornton family sure knows how to rise to the occasion!”

In 1950, Charlie and Florence Thornton opened Sweetheart Bakery using original family recipes on Main Avenue. In 1978, their son, Charles, and his wife, Joanne, expanded the business, moving it one block west into its current storefront in the Lyons business district. After decades of success baking generational recipes made from scratch, Charles' son, Chuck, and his wife, Brenda, purchased the bakery. Upon taking over, they merged the family bakery with Homer’s Deli, a restaurant they also owned next door. Today, their children, Derek and Shauna, help run and manage the store. In March, the business will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Iowa.

Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

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