Hoeckele’s Happy Eaters
- Thomas Smugala
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
Happy eaters come from near and far to savor the magic of Hoeckele’s Bakery & Deli in Perryville. The moment you step inside, the warm scent of fresh-baked goods hits you right between the eyes. The joy on the happy eaters’ faces says it all—what’s not to love about a fresh donut or a fresh muffin? A short line forms, and fingers start to point, and the tough choices begin. So many choices, so little time—all smiles.
Donuts are my soulmate: round, sweet, and always there when I need them. They don’t judge me; they just wink with icing and whisper, “Come closer, sugar.” Yup, what’s not to love about a fresh donut and a piping hot cup of coffee?
Leading this sweet empire is Leslie Esselman, who proudly wears powdered-sugar battle scars, insisting cupcakes are cute, but cakes are the true stars. I’d swim through frosting for the corner piece—extra roses, extra love. Her cousin and business partner, Eli Hoeckele, calls donuts “tiny edible hugs from the universe sent to make people smile.”
It’s said that many a romance has bloomed over a shared box of donuts. To a Happy Eater, life’s troubles disappear faster than icing on a chocolate-glazed in their breakroom. When the last crumb falls, they smile, lick their fingers, and vow, “Tomorrow, my sweet friend, we dance again.”
Meet Leslie and Eli—fourth-generation stewards of an 88-year family legacy and the wonderfulness of Hoeckele’s Bakery & Deli—all made fresh each day from scratch.
The Hoeckele’s Bakery display case is loaded with delicousness—not too sugary, just right and made fresh each day from scratch.
Welcome to ALL happy eaters. Let the finger pointing begin!
I’m Leslie Esselman, and I’ve been part of Hoeckele’s since my teenage years, back when our original shop sat on the town square. After high school, I trained at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy in Orlando, Florida. There’s no place like home, so I returned to Perryville and rejoined the bakery at our current location.
...Leslie Esselman, who proudly wears powdered-sugar battle scars...
Soon after, I married Kyle Esselman, who became a baker here. We’re blessed with two amazing kids: Hunter, who works alongside us, and Halle, who starts in the spring. Our family loves hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and cooking together. Kyle and I cheer loudest at our kids’ basketball games.
Leslie begins decorating cakes and pastries early in the morning—very, very early.
A typical day for me means decorating cakes, cookies, and cupcakes—turning sugar into art. I thrive on creativity and the thrill of crafting something for someone’s milestone. Seeing a customer’s face light up when they pick up a custom order? That’s pure joy.
In a few minutes, Leslie had our cake fully decorated with flowers and designs.
Showered in goodness—her passion shines through.
The Family.
I’m Eli Hoeckele, fourth-generation co-owner. I grew up next door to Leslie—our families did everything together, so we’re more like siblings. We’ve worked side by side our whole lives and took the reins in early 2025. Carrying this legacy into a new era is thrilling.
I’m Eli Hoeckele, fourth-generation co-owner. I grew up next door to Leslie—our families did everything together, so we’re more like siblings.
I married Danielle (Boyer) Hoeckele in 2018. She runs a chiropractic practice next door—handy for keeping me aligned! We have two kids, Brooks (5) and Campbell (3). Family is everything; we love travel, the outdoors, and sports.
Lemon, Apple, Cherry... deliciousness.
The bakery isn’t just a job—it’s who I am. From a young age, I saw the pride and love each generation poured into the bakery. My great-grandfather and great-uncle founded it in 1937, and those same recipes and values live on in every loaf, donut, and smile.
Fresh donuts with piping hot coffee.
DELUXE BREAKFAST SANDWICH —Ham, Bacon, Sausage, Egg, and Cheese on a Flaky Croissant with an ice coffee.
For 88 years, Hoeckele’s has been a community cornerstone. We honor decades-old traditions while introducing fresh flavors—from donuts and pastries to breakfast and lunch items, all made with care and quality.
Cupcakes and Muffins.
The donut production begins at 10 pm the night before the 5 am open.
Our mission is simple: make people happy through great food. A morning donut, a celebration cake, or lunch with friends—we’re part of life’s best moments. Our team feels like family, and our customers span generations. Seeing familiar faces return with their kids and grandkids is the ultimate reward.
PRETZEL MELT with Smoked Turkey Breast, thick-cut Bacon, Cheddar cheese, and Spicy Mustard all melted on a Pretzel Bun with house made Potato Salad.
MEAT MELT with a choice of Smoked Turkey Breast or Applewood Honey Ham with Cheddar and American Cheese on Our Toasted Hoeckele White Bread.
This business is woven into our identity. Continuing a legacy that started in 1937—bringing joy one treat at a time—and laying groundwork for the next generation is an honor. Watching our children grow up surrounded by that same purpose makes it profoundly meaningful.
The Hoecklele family has lived in Perryville for generations. In 1937, the Hoeckele's family owned business began. Fresh donuts, cakes, coffees, lattes, breakfast sandwiches, soups, deli sandwiches, and all the other deliciousness one needs in this hectic life—donuts never tell.
You can find out about your link to the past with ancestry.com, and click here for a discount coupon to search your family tree.
Get Out There! Create something. Learn something new. Take a hike. Start a business. Do something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you.
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