By Andy Schoenherr
Editor, Sun Prairie Rising
March 28th, 2026
18th century poet Robert Browning once wrote: “If thou tastest a crust of bread, thou tastest all the stars and all the heavens.”
On a cloudless, 30-degree morning on March 28th people stood in line along Main St in Sun Prairie to savor a hint of the cosmos.
Bri’s Fresh Bakes held their grand opening Saturday at 1225 W. Main St, and judging from the turnout, there seems to be plenty of demand.
Passing drivers could be forgiven for slowing down to figure out why over 100 people were huddled along the sidewalk before 9am on a chilly morning. The Kwik Trip is still closed for renovations and the Varsity doesn’t get busy until the evening. The answer is as simple as flour and yeast.
Bri Simler has had a stand at the Sun Prairie Farmers Market for several years, and won the ‘Best of Sun Prairie Bakery’ last year. That recognition and support of regular customers propelled her to offer her breads, pretzels, and pastries in a new retail location. “I’m just really excited to finally be able to show the community the space because we all kind of built it together. They’ve been a part of it since the beginning,” Simler said.
Larry Ramirez is a regular at the Saturday market, and showed up early for the grand opening. He had been waiting 45 minutes, but was getting close enough to smell what was waiting. “I just wanted to be a charter customer on the first day,” Ramirez said. “Usually if you get there after 9:30 on Saturday a lot of things are sold out. My favorite is the chocolate croissant, so that’s what I’m hoping for.”
Bri’s bustling staff had a display case of beautiful creations and several baking racks behind them, but was still churning out more to make sure no one went home empty handed.
Simler was humbled by the response from the community. “Every time there’s a line at the Farmer’s Market I’m honestly genuinely surprised and honored that people will take the time to wait in line. Everyone’s so patient and nice – I really appreciate it. Especially in the cold today.”
Sun Prairie Mayor Steve Stocker was on hand to support Simler and be part of the event. “Isn’t this wonderful?” Stocker said. “It’s so great to see people coming out to support a new local business.”
A few customers did change their mind after seeing the long line, but looked forward to checking it out…eventually. Breanne Stefanski brought her 2 kids, Kylie (6) and Alex (3), but didn’t have time to wait. “I’m really bummed. I had no idea there would be so many people. I’m really glad to see it so busy though – we’ll definitely be back,” Stefanski said.
But those who stuck it out and finally made it to the front of the line seemed happy with their decision. “It’s so worth it!” one patron said.
For now, Bri’s Fresh Bakes is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30am – 2pm. Simler is taking things one step at a time and is looking forward to seeing where things go from here. “I’m equally as nervous…but really excited and it’s going really well today.”
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