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‘Hey kids, want to open a cafe?’

For Kelly Griffin and her family, opening a cafe was a spontaneous decision that turned into something beautiful. 

After Kelly's son was in a tragic car accident a few years ago, he was left unable to work. Kelly also had a daughter graduating high school who wasn't sure what she wanted to do yet. Kelly and her family were looking for a job their son could do well in, and trying to help their daughter with her plans after graduation. One day, inspiration struck.

"Hey kids, want to open a cafe?" is how Kelly Griffin described introducing the idea to her family back in 2022. Two years later, Griffin Family Cafe and Catering is flourishing. So much so that they're one of the competitors in this year's PastyFest Pasty Bake-Off. 

Before the Griffin Cafe, Kelly Griffin says she only ate "one, maybe two pasties a year." Now, Kelly says she eats, "at least one a week, so from two [a year] to 52 is quite an increase." 

She says the Griffin Cafe decided to enter the Pasty Bake-Off because Kelly feels "like mine are the best." 

"I had never made a pasty until I bought a cafe," Griffin explained. She puts "a lot of love" into the iconic treats, and uses a personalized version of her grandmother's recipe. 

"My grandmother was the best cook in the world, and I'm not exaggerating." Griffin said. 

If you become a fan of Griffin Cafe's pasties after the Pasty Bake-Off, they offer pasties a la carte on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with frozen pasties available other days of the week. 

Indulge in savory beef and vegetable filling, opt for a gluten-free pasty, and even add a side of coleslaw. 

The vibrant, welcoming Griffin Cafe offers more than just pasties. Their menu also includes omelets, specialty salads, wraps and sandwiches. 

They are just one of the eight competitors vying for first place in the upcoming Pasty Bake-Off. Jen's Bakery, of Calumet, will be entering their "award-winning" pasties. Chassell's Bosio Biscuit Co. will also compete. This versatile company has built their restaurant on a "humble but sturdy foundation" of the "ultimate comfort foods."

Krupp's Mini Mart, of Toivola, is another contender, and their pasties are available seven days a week. Another participant, Sheboygan Pasty Co., is unique because their pasties are available through DoorDash. 

Mohawk Superette has been "crazy busy" with their pasty orders lately, but still found time to be a part of the Bake-Off. Jim's Pizza, which has been called, "one of the best family restaurants in Calumet," will also be entering. 

Finally, East Coast Pasty Co. will be a competitor in the Bake-Off. The owners, Henry and Loretta Hahn, sold their house to move 2,000 miles to the Copper Country and make a name for themselves in the pasty business. 

More information on the Pasty Bake-Off and the 2024 Pasty Fest can be found at uppastyfest.com.