Episode
The Bakery Unlimited | 41 Years of Scratch-Made Donuts & Family Legacy in Winterset, Iowa
- Podcast
- Bridging The Gap
- Published
- Jun 4, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2246
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Summary
Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with Katie Sparks of The Bakery Unlimited in Winterset, Iowa. Katie shares the inspiring journey of this beloved family business that has been serving the community for over 41 years. From its unexpected beginnings to becoming a must-visit destination known for award-winning donuts, Katie opens up about carrying on her mother’s legacy while creating new traditions that bring people together.From early morning baking and generations of loyal customers to community giveaways and national recognition, this conversation celebrates small-town business, passion, and the heart of Madison County.In this episode, we cover:• The unexpected story of how The Bakery Unlimited began with machinery in a garage• Katie’s journey from college in Kansas back home to take over the family business• Keeping mom’s original scratch-made recipes alive while making improvements• Signature items like Red Delicious apple fritters and classic glazed donuts• USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards – #5 in 2024 and #3 in 2025• Community traditions: Memorial Day bread giveaway and Festival of Lights Gingerbread Kids• Monthly gluten-free cake donuts and special orders for graduations & events• How tourism and locals keep this historic spot thriving on the square• Upcoming website launch and ways to support local family businessesWhether you’re a donut lover, a fan of Iowa history, or someone who loves supporting small-town businesses, this episode is a warm, feel-good look at what makes Madison County special.Learn more & connect:The Bakery Unlimited: Search “The Bakery Unlimited Winterset” on Facebook & InstagramMadison County Cham…