Some roadside stands are built purely out of a desire to share a garden surplus. Others carry a much deeper story - one of family, legacy, and finding a way forward through the things we make with our hands.
For this spotlight, we sat down with Briere Delaney behind Heritage House Homestead. Her story is a powerful reminder of why driveway stands mean so much more than just a quick stop off the road.
Every Bakeshop has a story…
We all have memories that go back through generations. Mothers and Grandmothers in good times and bad, who gave comfort, solace and love through the works of their hands. It is through the recipes of those women that we go forward to nurture our own families, and hope to pass on the love of food to the next generation’s.
Heritage House was founded on the traditions of baking in our own family. Our heritage steps from Ireland to England and through the Black Forests and Bavaria. We would love to share with you, the gift of good food from; Heritage House
- Written by Briere's mother when they first started baking together ❤️
What’s the story behind your stand, and what inspired you to start it?
So before Heritage house homestead existed it was Heritage house bakeshop. 3 years ago I started it with my Mother. She was the baker and I was social media and everything else. She LOVED to bake. She loved the science behind why something tastes the way it does. Flavors, consistency, making it better. She was a master at it all. We didn’t have a stand but it was made to order. She didn’t bake sourdough. Last year my Mother passed away in May. We found out she had stage 4 vulva cancer in April. In February she made 1,500 cookies for an SGI fundraiser. That’s just the kind of woman she was. Even though she was in pain she pushed through and finished out her responsibilities.
I had zero plans to continue any sort of baking. It honestly hurt to much to even think about. Fast forward a couple months and my kids were asking if we could atleast keep selling something like cookies along with our free range eggs. I contamplated it for a bit. I was already making sourdough for years for my family so I thought why not start a stand? So last year in August I put together a tiny stand and started baking my sourdough for the public.
I figured out that through baking my sourdough, it very slowly is healing parts of that gigantic hole left behind after my Mother passed away. Seeing customers stop at the stand and receiving messages from them is such a blessing and gift. I needed that and didn’t even know it.
What’s the one item on your table that brings people back week after week - or sells out the fastest?
Bagels and brownies are my most popular items! I always sell out of both.
How do you handle the logistics? (e.g., cash box/honor system, Venmo/card readers, cool storage, solar lighting, or physical stand design).
I have the cash box and the QR code to scan for Venmo. I keep track of everything I put out and sell. Pen to paper is how I do that! I’m hoping next year to get a bigger stand that’s enclosed with a door. Mostly to have more room and for quality control on goods. I want to sell more but the size of my tiny stand prohibits that.
What’s your favorite thing about your local community, or a nearby local spot people should check out when they visit your stand?
The community always shows up. It makes you see the good left in the world. The people love to support local and help small business thrive.
What’s one tip or lesson learned you’d pass along to someone thinking about setting up their own roadside stand?
If I could tell someone 1 piece of advice it would be, perfect your recipes before you start a stand. Then you can be confident in your goods and know what you are offering is the best quality. Drowning out any noise you may hear about other stands. BUT, also get around to other stands and support them! Buy things you don’t offer elsewhere and help the Farmstand community thrive.
Almanac Note of the Week:
Briere's story shows the profound heart behind what makes roadside stands so special. It isn't just retail - it's connection, history, and healing. It’s a beautiful reminder that when we carry forward the traditions of the people we love, we don't just keep their memory alive; we offer a piece of that love to our community. Every loaf of sourdough baked at Heritage House Homestead is a testament to resilience, turning grief into something nourishing for the neighborhood.
Catch you on the back roads,
- Derrick
Know a stand we should spotlight next?
Whether it’s your own driveway table, a neighbor’s honey box, or a hidden cooler down an unpaved road, we’d love to feature it. You can add a stand directly to roadside.market or email us at hello@roadside.market with a spot you think belongs on the map.
