Nestled in the heart of Glen Arbor, Michigan, sits Cherry Republic—a place where pie isn’t just dessert, it’s practically a way of life. This charming destination has turned the humble cherry into an art form, creating a unique spot where visitors can experience what happens when an entire community embraces the philosophy of “Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie.”
The Birth of a Cherry Empire
Cherry Republic began in 1989 with founder Bob’s simple vision of celebrating Michigan’s Montmorency tart cherries. What started as t-shirts sold out of the trunk of a car has grown into the world’s largest exclusive retailer of cherry food creations. The company now produces over 200 cherry-based products, from the expected cherry pies and jams to the unexpected cherry horseradish sauce and cherry barbecue sauce.
Located at 6026 S Lake Street in Glen Arbor, this establishment has become more than just a store—it’s a destination that perfectly captures the spirit of Northern Michigan. The sprawling campus includes multiple buildings connected by beautiful perennial gardens that have been a hallmark of the property for nearly 30 years.
Where Pie Meets Passion
At the heart of Cherry Republic lies the Cherry Public House, a restaurant and taproom where cherry pie reaches almost religious status. Open year-round, this cozy establishment serves as the perfect spot to savor seasonally rotating menus in warm, welcoming surroundings. The restaurant features 12 taps offering a variety of ales, lagers, and ciders, including unique cherry beers like Hoppy Bobby Pale Ale and Night Swim Sweet Cherry Porter.
But it’s the pie that truly sets this place apart. Their True Cherry and Cherry Crumb pies are available daily, made fresh with Michigan Montmorency cherries. For guaranteed flavors and quantities, visitors are encouraged to place orders 24 hours in advance by calling 231-226-3033. The restaurant recommends finishing any meal with their homemade cherry pie served with premium cherry ice cream—a combination that has become legendary among locals and visitors alike.
A Campus Dedicated to Cherry Culture
The Cherry Republic campus spans multiple buildings, each serving a unique purpose in this cherry-centric universe. The Great Hall serves as the main retail space where visitors can sample over 200 different cherry products. From chocolate-covered cherries and cherry salsas to cherry jellies and cherry wines, everything imaginable has been given the cherry treatment.
Adjacent to The Great Hall, The Winery offers complimentary tastings with their motto “Wine for the Tall and Pop for the Small,” ensuring that even the youngest visitors can participate in the tasting experience with cherry sodas and other non-alcoholic cherry beverages.
More Than Just a Sweet Tooth Destination
What makes Cherry Republic particularly special is how it seamlessly blends retail, dining, and entertainment. The property features an Olympic-sized pit spitting arena—a nod to Northern Michigan’s cherry heritage where visitors can try their hand at the traditional art of cherry pit spitting. Legend has it that founder Bob’s 90-year-old mother Mary still holds the distance record.
The establishment also includes Red Box Creamery, a premium ice cream shop that serves as the perfect complement to their pie offerings. Visitors can enjoy their treats in various seating areas, including outdoor spaces with a beer garden and outdoor bar that features live entertainment every Tuesday and Friday during the summer season.
A Menu That Celebrates Michigan Cherries
The Cherry Public House menu goes far beyond dessert, incorporating cherries into virtually every dish. Popular items include the pulled pork sandwich served with cherry barbecue sauce, the cherry burger, and the power grain salad with cherry accents. Even their appetizers get the cherry treatment—their beer cheese with fluffy pretzels has become a local favorite, and their cherry-inspired lunch and dinner selections continue to surprise visitors with creative applications of this beloved fruit.
A Philosophy Turned Lifestyle
Cherry Republic operates on four core values that have become their company mantra: Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie. These aren’t just marketing words—they represent a genuine philosophy that permeates everything they do. “Life” represents their belief that cherries are more than fruit and Northern Michigan is more than just a home. “Liberty” reflects their commitment to innovation and heartfelt customer experiences. “Beaches” captures that perfect balance between purposeful work and having fun, while “Pie” embodies their generous spirit and sharing of the earth’s abundance.
This philosophy has created a unique atmosphere where visitors don’t just shop or dine—they become part of a community that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. The establishment employs approximately 140 year-round workers and has donated over $2 million to nonprofits that positively impact the environment and communities throughout Michigan since its inception.
Seasonal Events and Special Experiences
Throughout the year, Cherry Republic hosts various events that bring the community together around their shared love of cherries. Quiz nights on Sunday evenings from October through April have become a local favorite, creating a cozy atmosphere where regulars gather to test their knowledge while enjoying cherry-inspired treats.
During the summer months, the property comes alive with live music twice weekly, creating a festive atmosphere in the beer garden. The outdoor spaces feature play areas for children and adults alike, including games like cornhole, giant Connect Four, and hook ring games, all scattered throughout the property along with humorous signs and jokes that add to the whimsical atmosphere.
A Destination for All Seasons
While summer brings the peak cherry season and busiest crowds, Cherry Republic operates year-round, making it a destination for all seasons. The indoor spaces provide cozy refuge during Northern Michigan’s winter months, while the extensive outdoor areas become the perfect setting for warm-weather gatherings.
The establishment has become such an integral part of Glen Arbor’s identity that many visitors plan their entire trips around their Cherry Republic experience. The combination of unique products, exceptional food, beautiful gardens, and genuine community spirit creates an atmosphere that’s both memorable and authentic.
Planning Your Pilgrimage
For those planning to make their own pilgrimage to this cherry paradise, the main retail shop operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, while the Cherry Public House serves food from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The establishment offers first-come, first-serve seating, though large groups are encouraged to call ahead.
Cherry Republic represents something unique in today’s world—a place where a simple fruit has been elevated to an art form, where community values aren’t just words on a wall, and where visitors become part of a larger story about celebrating life’s simple pleasures. In Glen Arbor, pie isn’t just practically a religion—it’s a way of connecting with the land, the community, and the timeless joy of sharing something delicious with others.