How it all started…

Chocker’s Bakery started as a dream in college where owner Michelle Wagner would make cupcakes and cookies in her dorm. One spring semester, she decided to switch career paths.

“I was in my physics lab where the instructor expected everyone to know formulas off the top of their heads. I had taken a break between physics 200 and 201, so I couldn’t recall the formula. Between being lost in the class itself and that incident, I knew I couldn’t do it anymore. I skipped my next class to return my textbooks and drop the class. I was done with science.”

Michelle switched to an entrepreneurship degree, which covered topics in accounting, economics, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurship courses taught her how to manage and grow a business, and focus on what she wanted the bakery to be like.

“I loved my entrepreneurship classes. The professors were very supportive and had small-business experience themselves. They always told it to us straight and didn’t sugarcoat what having a business is like.”

After graduating, Michelle moved to Langdon, ND with her husband, Dustin, where she focused on recipes during her free time. Her coworkers were always willing to taste-test new recipes and give her feedback. A year later, Michelle started the bakery as a side-hobby calling it “Chocker’s Cupcakery”

“The name was inspired by Grandma Chock, who passed before my parents ever married. I heard she loved to bake, making pies and cakes every weekend.”

While in Langdon, Michelle made cakes/cupcakes for five weddings and various celebrations, and participated in two local vendor shows. The biggest occasion though were the Christmas Cookie Baskets she did every holiday season, which became a huge hit.

“Christmas cookies are my favorite to bake. My mom used to make 20 different kinds of cookies/treats/candies each year. There’s just something about the holidays that make baking extra special.”

In 2021, Michelle and her husband made the move to Park Rapids, MN to be closer to her family. Dustin had heard through the grapevine at work that a couple local bakeries were for sale. After checking them out, Michelle decided to pursue buying the one in Menahga, MN.

“It was so spacious, plus the owners were willing to stay and teach me how the ropes work. My baking profile was centered around cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and pies. I had no experience making bread and doughnuts.”

On December 2nd, Chocker’s Bakery opened its doors. While the first month came with a large learning curve, Michelle is ready for whatever comes her way.

“The locals love having the bakery in town, and I am determined to keep it here for years to come.”