The Soul of a Yooper Pasty

In Sault Ste. Marie, a pasty is more than food. It’s memory. It’s family. It’s the Upper Peninsula wrapped in dough and carried through generations.This week on Total Michigan, Cliff sits down with Heidi and Jeff Ritter, founders of the Yooper Pasty Company, to explore how a small food trailer turned into one of the most beloved gathering places in the Soo. But beneath the story of fresh crusts, rutabaga debates, and sold-out lunch rushes is something deeper: a couple trying to preserve a feeling most people are afraid of losing.This episode explores:Why the pasty means so much to Yooper cultureThe journey from Coast Guard life to entrepreneurshipHow food preserves memory and communityThe deep connection between Michigan history and traditionWhy some places feel like home the second you walk inIf you’ve ever tasted something that instantly transported you back to childhood, this episode will stay with you.Links:951 E Portage AveSault Ste. Marie, MI 49783Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichiganWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichiganMentioned in this episode:NWF AdVisit Our Sponsor: The National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Chapter is working hard to protect what Michiganders love and that is our great outdoors. Learn more about threats facing all Michiganders and what the NWF is fighting for at https://nwf.org/greatlakes