Tucked just off Main Street in Mars, behind the daily rhythm of downtown traffic, something quietly remarkable is happening inside a shared kitchen.
On one side of the room, trays of handmade perogies are being filled, sealed, and frozen — hundreds of dozens each year. On the other, cookies are rolling by the thousands, donuts are frying, and custom cakes are taking shape for weddings, birthdays, and family milestones.
Two independent businesses.
Two distinct brands.
One shared space.
And a partnership built on trust, humor, and long nights.
Welcome to the shared kitchen of Hot Mama’s Pierogies and BeBe Kakes.
From a family tradition — and a little humor — to Hot Mama’s
Amy Dickson, owner of Hot Mama’s Pierogies, never planned on opening a storefront. Trained as an elementary education teacher and certified reading specialist, she began making pierogies at home as Christmas gifts for family and friends.
Then word spread.
“I just kept having more people ask for them,” Dickson said. “I realized if I wanted to sell them, it had to be done the right way — inspected, insured, and in a commercial space.”
Hot Mama’s Pierogies officially opened on March 15, 2019. What began with just two flavors — potato and cheese and buffalo chicken — has grown into a menu of more than 25 varieties.
The name itself came from the earliest days of the business.
At the time, the original team — all mothers working long, hot hours in the kitchen — were juggling motherhood, full schedules, and a fair share of hot flashes. “Hot Mama’s” started as a joke among friends, and it stuck — matching both the heat of the kitchen and the humor of the women doing the work.
Today, the business has grown far beyond its beginnings. During the Christmas season alone, Dickson produces more than 200 dozen pierogies, all handmade and frozen in advance to meet holiday demand.
Despite the scale, quality remains non-negotiable.
“I won’t compromise on butter, onions, time, or love,” she said. “That’s what people taste.”
BeBe Kakes: a family name with deep roots — and a whole lot of cookies
Across the kitchen, BeBe Kakes tells a different, but equally personal story.
Owner Rebecca Ross began baking more than 25 years ago, starting at Lincoln Bakery before launching her own business from home. Thirteen years ago, BB Kakes officially became a brand — one rooted in family.
“The name came from what I used to call my kids — my baby cakes,” Ross said. “When that name was already taken, it evolved into BeBe Kakes.”
Spelled with a “K,” the name stuck — simple, affectionate, and fitting for a bakery centered on family celebrations.
BeBe Kakes is known for custom cakes, wedding cakes, donuts, cupcakes, and especially cookies. During the Christmas season, the workload reaches staggering levels: between 8,000 and 10,000 cookies baked fresh, never frozen.
“We bring in help, but a lot of it is still hands-on,” Ross said. “It’s exhausting — but it’s worth it.”
Her husband, Kenny Ross, plays a key role, particularly on Saturdays, when BeBe Kakes hosts its popular “Big Donut Saturday.” Regular customers know the routine: a phrase of the day, a little laughter, and a discount for those in on the joke.
One kitchen, shared risk, shared success
The partnership between the two businesses didn’t start as a business plan — it started as a conversation.
Dickson and Kenny Ross have known each other since middle school, a friendship spanning more than 30 years. Rebecca and Amy knew of each other, but weren’t close at first.
Both businesses, however, faced the same challenge: growth beyond their home kitchens.
The realization came by chance — a conversation in Walmart.
“We basically said the same thing at the same time,” Dickson recalled. “We knew we had to do something.”
Dickson posted on Facebook looking for space. Within days, the trio found the current location and made a leap together — splitting rent, utilities, and kitchen space evenly.
“It’s scary to do this alone,” Dickson said. “Doing it together made all the difference.”
Despite sharing a space, the businesses remain fully separate. Yet they operate seamlessly — helping each other when needed, sharing advice, and routinely sending customers across the room.
“A lot of people come in for one and leave with both,” Ross said.
Family, exhaustion, and knowing when to rest
Both businesses are deeply family-run operations.
Rebecca and Kenny Ross are raising four sons, all boys, who have grown up around the rhythms of the bakery. The kids regularly stop by the kitchen, helping where they can and watching firsthand what it takes to run a small business.
That family dynamic makes rest essential.
After the holiday rush, both shops close for a couple of weeks, allowing time to recover and reconnect.
“You need that break,” Ross said. “It’s intense — but we love what we do.”
A model built on cooperation
In a time when small businesses are often forced to compete for every inch of attention, the partnership behind Main Street offers a different model — one built on cooperation, trust, and shared risk.
Two distinct brands.
One kitchen.
And a whole lot of heart.
Hot Mama’s Pierogies and BeBe Kakes are open Wednesday through Saturday. Follow each business on Facebook for menus, specials, and seasonal announcements.