A Place Where Life Really is a Bowl of Cherries: Cherry Republic

If you haven’t noticed, I am all for pointing out points of interest in our state that you may not know about. This is one of ‘em...It’s Cherry Republic, a tad northeast of Traverse City.

Cherry Republic features everything cherry with over 200 different products: Baked goods, BBQ sauce, cherry beer, cherry wine, chocolate-covered cherries, condiments, ice cream toppings, jams, jellies, nut mixes, salsas, soda pop, summer sausage, and much more.

Cherry Republic is a shop that is “everything cherry” that was started by Bob Sutherland around 1989. He began selling Cherry Republic T-shirts (“Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie") out of the trunk of his car followed by his “Boomchunka”, his original cherry cookie.”

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He traveled thru the state, visiting grocers and party stores where he would sell his cookies. He usually lost money doing it this way, but slowly the cookies were gaining popularity and selling well. Soon, his own retail space became necessary. His garage was turned into a store where he displayed his products and soon he added a cafe’.

There was more. He moved to a larger store, some needed offices, the Great Hall, and Winery. It took 28 years for Cherry Republic to get to where it is today.

With Bob’s success came more outlets in Ann Arbor, Charlevoix, Frankenmuth, Holland, Mackinaw City, and Traverse City.

But you need to check out the original Cherry Republic, in the town of Glen Arbor just northeast of Traverse City. Check out some photos below!