Michael Joyner believes that pastries and sweets should be every day indulgences, not something reserved for special occasions.

“We’re trying to bring an elevated sense of flavors without [customers] having to pay for an overly designed product,” Joyner, co-owner of Bowler Man Confections, said in an interview with Lakeshore Public Media.

Michael and his wife, Amanda, who runs the business with him, met in pastry school at the Texas Culinary Institute in El Paso17 years ago, and have always wanted something of their own, he says. The Michigan City native has worked as a pastry chef for Four Winds Casino, bakery director for Al’s Supermarkets and Omni Hotels pastry chef. After losing two jobs to the pandemic, he decided it was time to pursue their dream after his wife found the space in an alley off Franklin.

Hidden away down an alley near the 717 Franklin Street Artspace building in a no-frills space, Bowler Man recently reopened after a months-long break. And though Michael believes in everyday indulgences, the shop is open only on Saturdays from 9am-2pm, or until the goods—which vary week to week and could include sourdough bread, black-and-whites, lemon squares, brownies, scones—are sold out. Everything is scrumptious and prices are super reasonable. Updates are posted on Facebook. Michael and his wife also take custom orders and offer dessert bar catering, chocolate fountains, and wholesale orders.

Bowler Man Confections, 717 Franklin St., Suite C,
(219) 395-6266