Tasty Treats at the Storm Lake Bakery
The award-winning bakery is well-known for donut holes and other delicious baked goods.
When Lisa Funk moved to the U.S. from Paraguay at the age of 17, she never dreamed that one day she’d be the business owner of one of the most beloved bakeries in Iowa.
“I came to the U.S. with nothing,” said Funk. “I didn’t know any English and I had to work very hard to get where I am today. There are days I wake up hardly believing I am a business owner.”
Established in 1916 and known as Page’s Bakery for decades, Funk purchased the eatery in 2012 and renamed it Storm Lake Bakery. Since then, she’s worked hard to update the bakery while maintaining the traditions and treats locals have come to know and love for more than 100 years. The bakery now includes Wi-Fi access and wall outlets with USB charging ports, as well as a renovated interior and storefront.
"I have people from other states contact me regularly asking for donut holes to be mailed to them."
-Lisa Funk
“My goal was to create an atmosphere that was more suited for the 21st century,” said Funk, who started working at the bakery in 2000. “I wanted college students and young people to feel comfortable and have a place to gather.”
Part of what makes Storm Lake Bakery so special, and a favorite among BVU students, is that all products are made from scratch daily and contain zero preservatives. To ensure consistency, all goods are made only by Funk, who starts baking each day promptly at 2 a.m.
“It’s very important to ensure that our customers receive the same products and experience they read and hear about,” said Funk, who hopes to keep the bakery in the family and one day pass along baking duties to her children. “I don’t mind the early mornings.”
The bakery is known for many of its offerings, including its famed donut holes, which sell out most days and are sought-after from people across the U.S.
“I have people from other states contact me regularly asking for donut holes to be mailed to them,” said Funk. “Most of the time we have to say no because our products are made without preservatives, which means they wouldn’t remain fresh throughout shipment.”
Other popular items include rolls, cookies, muffins, bread, custom-made cakes, and a variety of pastries and other treats.
The bakery has claimed several awards over recent years, including being named Travel Iowa's eighth best donut bakery and Best Things Iowa’s 10th best bakery.
“I’m beyond grateful and honored that people love the bakery so much, but it’s a lot of pressure,” added Funk. “It’s a fun and enjoyable challenge, though.”