Melissa Elsmo
Jenny Pirricone (left), has been working at the Happy Apple since the shop opened a year and a half ago. She works alongside Rebecca McIntyre who also loves handling the pie dough. "I like working here because a lot of the jobs let you use your hands," says McIntyre "and I just love feeling the dough in my hands."
Four days ago, USA Today published, "Road Trip Guide: The best pie shop in every state." Honorees were chosen based on top ranking Yelp! reviews state-wide and further assessed for menu diversity and over-all accolades. Boasting a perfect Yelp! rating, Oak Park's very own Happy Apple Pie Shop took top honors in Illinois.
"We are please and proud" says Happy Apple owner Michelle Mascaro of her USA Today mention, "and we are grateful to all the customers who mentioned us in their positive reviews."
The Happy Apple, located in the Oak Park Arts District, has been in business for nearly two years and relies on a unique blended work environment where people with and without developmental and intellectual disabilities work side-by-side crafting pies every day. Mascaro and her kitchen coaches find a role for every one who wants to work at the Happy Apple; the business shifts job descriptions as needed to include the abilities of each individual employee. The shop is even laid out to ensure the kitchen area is roomy enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
"Being named the best pie shop in Illinois by USA Today proves our model is working;" says Mascaro proudly, "people with all different kinds of abilities can work together every day to craft meticulous pie."
Mascaro and her team are grateful for The news of this honor has brought tremendous cheer to the Happy Apple staff at their busiest time of year and Mascaro is certain they will proudly keep making pies to bring smiles of their passionate customers.
Stop by, snag some pie and congratulate the Mascaro and her team the next time you are on Harrison Street!
Melissa Elsmo
Miniature pies are the perfect afternoon snack at The Happy Apple.