HOMETOWN ENTREPRENEURS Where friends gather

Mary Meyer celebrated 11 years of ownership at The Peppercorn Pantry in Aplington with an open house on January 13, inviting guests to sample her raspberry swirl cheesecake, French silk pie, raspberry parfait, soups, salads, dressings and more. And within the next month, she plans to release her new cookbook, “Where friends gather.”

Meyer’s love for the restaurant and gift shop began when she first worked at the Peppercorn Pantry as a teenager.

“It became my dream to own and run it…” Meyer said. “It was just so much fun when I was here. I saw an opportunity for it to grow.”

Her most popular items on the menu are quiches. She also serves chicken over rice, soups, and daily specials such as chicken salad or crab louis salad. All of her pie crusts and most everything else is homemade.

In the shop, she offers a variety of gift and kitchen items, home décor, lotions, candles, jewelry, baby items and scarves. Although the restaurant started years ago as a high-end Victorian tea room, under Meyer’s ownership everyone is welcome.

Read the full story in the Janaury 24 edition.