07/04/2026
Brine's Market & Deli Announces Acquisition of Sara's Bake Shop, Bringing Together Five Readers' Choice Award Winners
STILLWATER, Minnesota – Brine's Market & Deli is proud to announce the acquisition of Sara's Bake Shop, bringing together two beloved local businesses with deep roots in the St. Croix Valley and a shared commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service.
The partnership unites five Readers' Choice Award-winning traditions under one roof. Brine's Market & Deli has been recognized as the Best Meat Market and Best Deli, while Sara's Bake Shop has earned honors as Best Bakery, Best Dessert, and Best Customer Service.
For more than 14 years, Sara's Bake Shop has built a loyal following through its homemade pies, pastries, and dedication to creating memorable experiences for customers throughout the region. Brine's Market & Deli, a Stillwater institution for nearly 70 years, has become known for its robust deli, fresh meats, prepared foods, catering, and commitment to serving the St. Croix Valley.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Sara's Bake Shop and the staff into Brine's Market & Deli," said Scot DeStasio, owner of Brine's Market & Deli.
"Sara has built an incredible business over the last 14 years, and this new partnership will allow us to continue building a destination market unlike anything else in the St. Croix Valley or even the surrounding areas. Bringing together our strengths allows us to offer customers an even broader selection of handcrafted products while preserving the traditions and quality that both businesses are known for."
The relationship between the two businesses dates to the earliest days of Sara's Bake Shop. Brine's Market & Deli was one of the first retailers to carry Sara's signature hand pies, helping introduce them to customers throughout the St. Croix Valley. Today, that relationship has come full circle as Sara and her team join Brine's Market & Deli, ensuring customers will continue to enjoy the same products, recipes, and personal touch that have made Sara's Bake Shop a local favorite for more than 13 years.
"I am so excited and incredibly grateful for this next chapter" said Sara.
"Brine's Market & Deli was the first store to pick up my hand pies thirteen years ago, and now I get to grow my legacy alongside them."
As part of the transition, Sara and the Sara's Bake Shop team will continue creating the products customers know and love while expanding the bakery's offerings within Brine's Market & Deli. The partnership preserves the legacy of Sara's Bake Shop while creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and an even broader assortment of pastries, pies, desserts, and specialty items.
To celebrate the occasion, Sara's Bake Shop will host a Moving Party on Saturday, July 11, giving customers an opportunity to celebrate the bakery's remarkable 13-year journey in its current location. Sara's Bake Shop will close at the end of business that day as operations begin their move into Brine's Market & Deli.
Current plans call for the full Sara's Bake Shop lineup to be available inside Brine's Market & Deli beginning July 14. Guests will be welcomed with an expanded bakery experience featuring a full-service pastry case, fresh coffee, signature hand pies, homemade pies, pastries, and other specialty treats that can only be found at Brine's Market & Deli.
The acquisition significantly expands Brine's Market and Deli’s bakery program by complementing its long-standing reputation for fresh baked breads, buns, dinner rolls, and handcrafted breakfast favorites— with Sara's award-winning pies, pastries, desserts, and specialty baked goods. Customers can also look forward to the continuation of many of Sara's beloved seasonal traditions and community favorites, including holiday specialties, custom desserts, wedding desserts, catering, and cooking classes.
"This isn't about one business buying another," added DeStasio. "It's about two St. Croix Valley institutions coming together. We're preserving everything customers love about Sara's Bake Shop while creating something truly special. Together, we're combining the Valley's Best Meat Market, Best Deli, Best Bakery, Best Desserts, and Best Customer Service to build a destination experience unlike anything else in the region."
"At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that local businesses matter. Both Brine's and Sara's have been built by serving our neighbors, supporting our communities, and providing products that people simply cannot find anywhere else. We are honored to carry forward Sara's legacy while creating something that will serve the St. Croix Valley for generations to come."
About Brine's Market & Deli
Founded nearly 70 years ago, Brine's Market & Deli is a locally owned destination market in Stillwater, Minnesota. Recognized by Readers' Choice Awards as the Best Meat Market and Best Deli, Brine's proudly serves customers throughout the St. Croix Valley with award-winning meats, prepared foods, catering, bakery offerings, and exceptional service.
About Sara's Bake Shop
Founded in 2011, Sara's Bake Shop has become one of the St. Croix Valley's most beloved bakeries. Recognized by Readers' Choice Awards as the Best Bakery and Best Customer Service, Sara's has spent the last 14 years delighting customers with handcrafted pies, pastries, and a commitment to making every customer feel like family.
Scot DeStasio
Owner, Brine's Market & Deli
Stillwater, Minnesota
