With four days off recently, I finally had the chance to check out the Nora location of Rise 'n…read moreRoll, a Middlebury, Indiana based mini-chain that has its roots in northeast Indiana's Shipshewana before "officially" opening in Middlebury in 2004. The roots are truly Amish - Rise 'n Roll was started by an Amish couple in a bakery that didn't use electricity, refrigeration, or modern technology.
In 2009, however, that couple sold the bakery to a non-Amish couple that has worked to maintain its roots while also adding some updates (including franchising). The original owner stayed on!
I was a little surprised when the Broad Ripple location, though it never quite felt like a Rise 'n Roll. Having been to the Middlebury spot on multiple occasions, Broad Ripple just felt like "too much" to me. This spot, while still nice, is a humbler location that still maintains the quality. I've never been completely fond of this strip center. It's not particularly wheelchair friendly (yes, there's a curb-cut, however, accessible parking is wonky at best). However, once inside all is forgiven.
This spot opened in late 2023. While it's known for its donuts, you can also get other pastries, popcorn, and other Amish items. At this point, Rise 'n Roll has about 15 locations statewide with four in Central Indiana (Nora, Fishers, Greenwood, Westfield). Avon recently closed.
As most people are told by bakery fans and employees, their real signature donut would be the cinnamon caramel donut It's a pretty remarkable donut, though I tend to go for either cinnamon rolls, traditional yeast, and occasionally something chocolate iced.
I find the employees friendly, the atmosphere clean and welcoming, and the prices definitely fair. They have fundraising opportunities and it's definitely one of my favorite bakeries - it's better, at least for me, knowing that it's also one of Indiana's own.