Maggie's Buns to sell after 21 years in Forest Grove

Longtime owner Maggie Pike looks toward retirement, new owner to take over this week,

After more than two decades in Forest Grove, Maggie's Buns has new owners.

The popular bakery and breakfast place — located at 2007 21st Ave., in downtown Forest Grove — has been a staple for college students and pastry fans for years.

In an interview Monday, May 21, longtime owner Maggie Pike said she was taking a step back from the business she founded, but said she doesn't plan to hang up her apron just yet.

"I love my job and I still get to work, which makes me happy," she said. "But it was time."

The company had been sold to Tammi Howard, of California. Howard, who recently moved to Oregon, was looking to start a new career in the restaurant industry.

"She was looking to buy a business, and she jumped on it," Pike said.

The sale went through last week for an undisclosed amount, but news of the sale has been slow to be filtered out to the larger community, Pike said, so her staff could acclimate to the new owner.

"I'm really close with my staff," she said. "I wanted to give them some time. They are my kids."

Pike said the shop's business operations and team will remain the same. Pike will move to a support role within the bakery, working as a consultant.

"It will still be the same ol' crazy place," she said.

Pike said she plans to spend her retirement with her grandchildren and travel the world.

"It's good news," Pike said, of the sale. "I'll keep working, but I get to not work as much as I do now. I can fill my passport up, and spend more time with my grandkids. I'll get to spend time with my husband."

Opened in 1997, Maggie's Buns has gained a steady following for its cinnamon rolls and large breakfasts. The shop has also been active with community fundraiser, including work for the Forest Grove City Library.

"Twenty one years is a long time to be in the restaurant business," Pike said. "Most businesses close up after only a couple of years."

The secret to Maggie's Buns' success, Pike said, is her dedicated staff and the shop's constant innovation.

"You have to work your business to survive," she said. "We tried really hard to keep it fresh, fresh, fresh with new ideas."

In a statement released Monday, Pike gave her goodbyes to the business in the form of a poem:

Oh the places I will go!

It's been 21 years of fun and good times.

I love my community,

I love my town,

I love making people smile when life gets them down.

I love paying it forward and that I've been able to make people's day.

After 21 years of 'Bun-ventures', it's time to say that I'm am off and away.

Well off and away is not really true, I am just passing the 'Bun-ton' to someone new.

Her name is Tammi, and she packs an energy and sparkle where mine has lost luster.

I will still be a brick in the Bunhouse veneer just not the main Bun buster.

I will be around to support the wonderful crew,

We will still make great food but I will finally collect a w-2.

Together we'll cater with zeal, passion, and zest,

But let's face it kids, after 21 years it's time to break free from the nest

I have my wonderful children, a great husband, and grandkids to kiss.

And my passport screams for some stamps it cannot miss

I step down just a wee bit with a gleam in my eye.

This is great stuff, so come hug gently, or I might cry.

Come support Tammi and continue support the wonderful Bun crew.

What a wonderful new chapter for us all. Cheers to starting something new! A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below



By Geoff Pursinger

Editor, Hillsboro Tribune

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