Once upon a time in the early 20th century, the lovely Mary Janezich passed her treasured potica recipe to her son-in-law, Geno.  What began as a cherished family tradition soon became the foundation of a beloved neighborhood bakery.  As the bakery grew, it became known as the Italian Bakery, earning a reputation throughout the Iron Range for its authentic recipes and handcrafted baked goods.  In 1986, Joe and Bette Prebonich proudly took ownership of the Italian Bakery, adding their own signature touch by incorporating walnuts and raisins into the famous potica recipes while continuing the bakery’s tradition of quality and craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, a couple blocks away, Pepelnjak’s Bakery, or now known as Pep’s Bake Shop, was established in the 1940’s by the Pepelnjak family, who built a successful business known for its fresh breads, pastries, cakes, and commitment to the community.  In 1986, the Pepelnjak’s sold the bakery to Jim and Maxine Hecimovich, who proudly carried on the bakery’s traditions for the next decade.

In 1996, Joe and Bette Prebonich-joined by their daughter, Laura, and son, Paul-purchased Pep’s Bake Shop as well, bringing together two of Virginia’s most cherished family bakeries.  Under their leadership, the business flourished for more than 30 years.  In 2021, The Italian Bakery and Pep’s Bake Shop officially merged, combining generations of family traditions, treasured recipes, and hometown pride into the bakery our customers know and love today.  When Laura and her family decided it was time to retire, they proudly passed the legacy on to its next chapter.

In January of 2026, that next chapter started when Allissa and Joseph Bruggeman became the owners of the historic downtown bakery.  The couple relocated from Maryland to Minnesota, bringing along some very special members of their family-their Macaw parrots, Baby Daisy and Lilly Bird, and their Great Danes, Rex and Titan.

From their first visit, Allissa and Joseph felt a connection to both the bakery and the people behind it and for them becoming part of Pep’s is about much more than owning a bakery.  It is an opportunity to care for something that has been an important part of the Virginia community for many years.  They are proud to carry forward the traditions that customers have come to know and love while helping Pep’s continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.