A Modest Appleton, Wisconsin Bakery That Only Longtime Locals Know

The ovens at this little bakery get going so early that the doors open at 3 AM on weekdays. That’s not a typo. Somebody is getting a fresh donut before most alarm clocks even think about ringing.

The same family has run the place for three generations. They still lean on original recipes, and everything is made from scratch and baked fresh daily. I appreciate a bakery that treats tradition like a job, not a slogan.

The case holds filled donuts, apple fritters, cheesecake by the slice, and even treats for dogs. There’s also a peanut-topped specialty donut with a name you may have to say twice. I can see why folks around this corner of Wisconsin keep it in their weekly routine.

So what keeps a modest storefront going strong for more than half a century? The answer starts with a purchase made back in 1966.

A Family Recipe Box That Has Survived Three Generations

Back in 1966, Sylvester Simon bought a shop called Bessler Bakery. In 1969, the business took the name Simple Simon Bakery. That nursery-rhyme name fits the place nicely. It sounds friendly, a little playful, and easy to remember when a donut craving hits.

Today the business sits in the hands of the third generation. Dawn Ebert and Scott Simon now run the show, carrying the family legacy forward. What stands out is how much of the past still matters here. The bakery holds onto original recipes rather than chasing every passing trend.

Plenty of bakeries brag about being homemade. Here, everything is made from scratch and baked fresh daily, which takes real commitment over decades.

The Fox Valley has noticed, too. Simple Simon Bakery is known as a Fox Valley institution and has picked up multiple Best of the Valley awards.

So when you grab a pastry, you’re tasting more than sugar and flour. You’re tasting a family business that has stuck with what works for over fifty years. That kind of staying power is rare. It’s also a pretty good reason to stop in.

Your Alarm Clock Might Lose This Race

Most shops are still dark when this one unlocks its doors. Monday through Friday, the bakery opens at 3 AM and stays open until 5:30 PM.

Night-shift workers, early commuters, and determined donut fans all get a fair shot. That wide window makes it easy to fit a stop into almost any schedule. Saturdays run a little differently. The doors open at 5 AM and close at 2 PM, so weekend plans should lean toward the morning.

Sundays are a day off. Plan around that, or you’ll be staring at a closed sign with a very sad stomach.

Not up for the drive? The bakery offers in-store pickup and local delivery around the Appleton area. Cookies can even travel farther. Nationwide shipping means a Wisconsin treat can land on a doorstep in another state.

Here’s a practical tip for busy mornings. Ordering ahead for pickup can save time when you’re grabbing a big box for the office. Early hours, flexible ordering, and shipping options make this classic bakery surprisingly modern. Tradition and convenience share the counter nicely here.

The Donut Case Deserves Your Full Attention

Glazed, fritters, long johns, and filled rounds all line up for duty. Simple Simon Bakery treats donuts like the main event, and the lineup proves it. Filled donuts come with several choices. You can pick white cream, custard, raspberry, or chocolate, depending on your mood.

Apple fritters bring that classic bakery-case charm. Long johns are there for anyone who likes their donut stretched out a bit. Then come the Pershings. These specialty donuts carry a name that sounds like a history lesson, and they’ve earned a loyal following.

There’s also a Donut of the Month. That rotating pick gives regulars a reason to check back and see what’s new. Picking just one can be tough. A smart move is grabbing a mixed dozen, so everybody at home gets a vote.

Donuts are the most talked-about item connected to this Appleton shop. Given the variety, that’s no big shock. Every one is made from scratch and baked fresh daily. Good luck walking out with only a single donut.

Cupcakes, Cheesecake, and Pie Make a Strong Case for Dessert

Triple Chocolate is a cupcake flavor that doesn’t mess around. Red Velvet sits right beside it, and choosing between them feels unfair. Gourmet cupcakes are a big part of the bakery’s lineup. They’re easy to grab for a birthday, a thank-you, or a random Tuesday.

Cheesecake shows up two ways. You can buy a whole one for a gathering or just a slice when sharing sounds like too much work. Pies bring their own fan club. Key Lime and French Silk are among the flavors, covering both the tangy and the chocolate crowds.

Store cakes are also ready to purchase. That’s handy when a celebration sneaks up and nobody remembered to plan dessert. Cookies round things out with classic and seasonal options. Brownies and bars, including salted caramel and lemon, keep the variety going.

This range makes the shop useful for more than breakfast. It works just as well for after-dinner treats and party tables. Honestly, the hardest part is narrowing it down. Bringing a friend gives you an excuse to try twice as much.

Breakfast Bakes That Beat a Bowl of Cereal

Monkey bread is the kind of pastry you pull apart with your fingers. It’s messy, fun, and perfect for sharing around a kitchen table. Sticky buns and cinnamon rolls also sit on the menu. Both feel like the right answer to a slow Saturday morning.

Croissants offer a lighter pick for anyone wanting something flaky. Muffins add another easy grab-and-go choice for busy days. Coffee cakes come in a selection of options. They’re a natural fit for weekend brunch or bringing to a family gathering.

Breads and buns are baked here too. That makes the shop useful for everyday meals, not only sweet treats.

A smart tip: pick up a coffee cake on Saturday morning. Since the bakery closes Sunday, it sets you up for a cozy weekend breakfast. All of these are made from scratch, following the family’s long baking tradition. That care shows up in the variety alone.

Cereal is fine, sure. But once you know about warm cinnamon rolls nearby in Wisconsin, the box in the pantry starts to look lonely.

Big Days Get the Custom Cake Treatment

Weddings are a serious specialty here. Simple Simon Bakery creates custom wedding cakes and specialty cakes for all kinds of celebrations. Wedding cake ranks among the most mentioned topics tied to the bakery. Couples have chosen everything from classic cakes to full dessert tables.

Owner Dawn Ebert works with couples during the planning process. That personal guidance helps families figure out what fits their event. Birthday cakes are another big favorite. Themed designs and shaped cakes make kids and grownups feel equally celebrated.

An online custom cake builder makes ordering simpler. You can put together a personalized cake without guessing what’s possible.

Here’s a helpful tip for planners. Double-check your pickup date before finishing an online order, because cake timing really matters. Delivery helps with larger events too. The local delivery option takes one more task off a busy host’s list.

Big moments deserve dessert that feels personal. A family bakery with decades of practice brings real experience to that job.

Blue Benches and a Mural Point the Way

Bright blue benches are hard to miss. They sit outside a stone facade, giving the bakery a cheerful, small-town look. A mural of baked goods adds even more personality. It’s basically a giant hint about what waits inside.

You’ll find Simple Simon Bakery at 218 E Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54911. The spot puts it within easy reach of downtown Appleton. Families and tourists exploring the area often make it part of their outing. The friendly setting makes stopping in feel easy, even for first-timers.

The inside matches that welcoming mood. Service here is described as friendly, which fits a shop run by the same family for generations.

Street parking is a practical option nearby. Give yourself a minute to find a space during busier parts of the day. Those benches are a nice touch for anyone who can’t wait until they get home. A donut tastes pretty great with a little fresh air.

Snap a photo by the mural, too. It’s a fun reminder of your Wisconsin bakery stop.

Even the Dog Gets Something Out of This Trip

Dog treats at a donut shop? Yes, and it’s one of the sweetest surprises on the menu. The bakery offers treats made just for pups. That means your furry sidekick doesn’t have to sit in the car feeling left out.

Let’s be honest about how this usually goes. You bring home a box of pastries, and those big puppy eyes start working overtime. Now you have a fair answer. Everyone in the house gets a bakery bag, including the member with four legs.

It’s also a clever gift idea. Friends with dogs will appreciate something a little different from the usual card. This small detail says a lot about the shop. A family business thinking about pets clearly cares about the whole household.

Pair a dog treat with a mixed box of cookies for an easy host gift. People and pets both win that round. Not many places in Appleton cover breakfast, wedding cake, and dog snacks under one roof. That range is honestly impressive.

Your Next Fundraiser Could Taste a Lot Better

Selling wrapping paper is fine. Selling donuts and baked goods from a beloved local bakery sounds a lot more fun.

Simple Simon Bakery offers fundraising programs for various organizations. Schools, clubs, and community groups can raise money with treats people actually want. That fits the bakery’s long commitment to its community. It’s not just a place to shop, but a neighbor that helps out.

The shop is a proud member of the Fox Valley Chamber of Commerce. It also belongs to the Appleton Northside Business Association. Those ties show how rooted the business is in local life. Three generations of the Simon family have built that connection over many years.

Planning a fundraiser? Reach out early so your group has time to organize orders and pickups smoothly. Supporting a family-owned business while helping a good cause feels like a double win. Plus, nobody complains about a box of fresh pastries.

For a Wisconsin bakery with roots dating back to the 1960s, that community spirit is still going strong. Simple Simon Bakery keeps proving that small shops can make a big difference.