Mobile bakery, Rum Sweets, now open in Niles

NILES, Mich.—Niles-based baker Ashley Odle and her husband, Shayne, a combat Veteran who served in the Indiana National Guard, have decided to take their dreams of running their own bakery on the road.

“A mobile bakery just kind of fit in today’s world,” Odle said.

Odle, who got started baking in 2009 at a Michigan bakery, was working for another local business but found that during the pandemic, there just wasn’t enough work available. The challenge prompted her to pursue her longtime dream of running her own business.

The Odles started the process in July and by December, the pair were selling baked goods out of their new trailer that’s complete with a full kitchen.

Rum Sweets, which gets its name from one of Odle’s signature creations, a rum cake, is now setting up shop in various parking lots around Niles.

“We set up at Skate-A-Rama before Christmas and it went well,” Odle said, adding that they will also set up shop in a hotel parking lot at 1446 S. 11th Street in Niles.

Menu items include traditional cupcakes, cheesecakes and cheesecake cupcakes, mini Bundt cakes, hot cocoa bombs, cake pops and more.

Each day they’re open, the Odles post where the truck will be on their Facebook page. Typically, their hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Odle said the bakery accepts custom orders and operates a delivery service. Orders are also available for pickup.

The bakery has just launched an allergy-friendly line that includes sweet treats that are made with plant-based ingredients and are free of the top eight allergens.

Odle said she hopes to eventually bring the mobile bakery down to South Bend and some day open a brick and mortar location.

“I know we’re an unusual circumstance. We’re a bakery in a trailer, but if someone calls me, I am willing to bend over backwards for people,” Odle said.