Vendor Spotlight: Riley's Sweets

Some of Bill's earliest memories of baking begin with his Opa, his German grandfather, who was always the one making desserts for the family. Those moments in the kitchen sparked a lifelong love of baking that stayed with him for decades.

For more than 20 years, Bill baked for family and friends simply because he enjoyed sharing homemade sweets with the people around him. In 2023, he and his wife, Kasey, began talking about opening a cottage bakery. After Bill retired in 2024, they decided it was the right time to make that dream a reality.

Today, Riley's Sweets is a family business built on teamwork. Bill does most of the baking, especially the custom cakes and decorated cookies, while Kasey loves creating new cookie flavors. Before each market, the two work side by side to prepare fresh treats and make sure their booth is ready for the weekend.

That attention to detail carries over into every recipe. Riley's Sweets uses German-based ingredients

whenever possible, a reflection of the baking traditions that first inspired Bill. When possible, they also prioritize local ingredients like fresh blueberries purchased from local farmers.

If you've visited their booth, you've likely seen customers reaching for the Pecan Pralines. They're one of Riley's Sweets' signature treats and are often compared to the famous pralines found in Savannah. Their Paint Your Own Cookies are another favorite, especially with children who enjoy choosing from the many different characters and designs. Kasey's creativity also shines through in their cookie flavors, and the Lemon Strawberry Crunch Cookie is one you won't want to miss.

While every treat is made with care, Bill especially enjoys creating custom cakes and decorated cookies. He loves the creative process and appreciates the trust customers place in him to make something memorable for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions.

Building a small business hasn't been without its challenges. With so many talented bakers offering similar products, standing out takes time. For Bill and Kasey, one of the most rewarding moments has been seeing customers return to find them at different events or stopping by the market specifically to visit their booth. Those familiar faces remind them that they're creating lasting connections along with delicious desserts.

The farmers market has given Riley's Sweets the opportunity to connect with the local community and offer products people look forward to week after week. After discovering the market through Facebook, Bill and Kasey decided to apply, and it quickly became one of their favorite ways to meet customers and share their baking.

The next time you're at the market, stop by Riley's Sweets for a Pecan Praline or a Lemon Strawberry Crunch Cookie. If you have a celebration coming up, be sure to ask about their custom cakes and cookies. You just might find your new favorite dessert while you're there.