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Ali Elzen, a Northwest graduate, opened his bakery in Maryville in 2006. He chose to open it in Maryville because of its demographics. Most of Ali's business comes from college students, faculty of Northwest Missouri State, the bank, and other local businesses.

There is one thing that sets Ali's products apart from most other competition. Ali bakes with honey, instead of sugar. Ali uses honey because it is healthier than sugar.

"Honey is a natural sweetener with better taste," Ali says, "It is more expensive but it is worth it."

Honey also has a longer shelf life than sugar does.

"When you cook with sugar the next day things are hard," Ali says, "With honey, it stays soft for two or three days."

Ali got started in this business in 1995. After finishing graduate school at Kansas State University, Ali decided he wanted to do his own thing. Ali started selling cookies in a local hospital. After cookies he went on to bigger more challenging things and it eventually turned into a career.

Ali was born in Greece and raised in Egypt. He came to America in 1979. Ali said that America is full of opportunities and chances for the rest of life.

"America offers technology, movies, cars, magazines, money, houses and cars," Ali says, "Americans are excited for everything and hard workers, and this is the best place to be."

Ali thinks it is a different side of the life here than in the Middle East. He went on to say that his family works all day long and earns one dollar, and Americans don't even know the difference.

Ali's bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 am until 2:00 pm and Sunday s from 6:00 am until 12:00 pm.

Ali serves:
• Baklava • Bear-claws • Breads • Cream cheese rolls • Cinnamon rolls • Turnovers • Bagels • Fritters • Donut holes • Elephant ears • Muffins • Danishes • Cookies • Chocolate peanut butter bars • Cream-filled doughnuts

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