In 1922, Dorothy Kraker set up a simple white roadside stand on Crystal Lake and began selling farm-sized pies made with tart cherries picked from the family orchard. A century later, the Cherry Hut is a nationally acclaimed regional restaurant, famous for its cherry pies, jams and ice cream.
For many residents and visitors, The Cherry Hut is a Benzie County summer tradition. On August 11, 2022, the Benzie Area Historical Society hosted this Academy Lecture presentation, featuring a panel of current and former Cherry Hut employees: Ned Edwards, Kay Holt and Chris MacInnes and moderated by current Cherry Hut co-owner, Christy Case.