It was an interesting and eventful year for the retail baking industry, with plenty of new trends and ideas. As 2016 comes to a close, we're looking back at some of our stories that were viewed the most by our audience this year.

Starbucks goes artisan

For decades, retail bakers across the country have viewed Starbucks as a business model to applaud, but not necessarily to compete against. That has changed with a development in 2016: the mega retailer with more than 24,000 stores in 73 countries is going to bake at store level for the first time ever.

Food Halls Go Big

At least 24 major food halls opened across the country last year, and many more are coming down the road. And gourmet bakeries are taking note. They are finding a new home, and most importantly a profitable place to do business. It turns out there are a lot more “foodies” in America than originally thought, and many are turning out in droves at food halls to enjoy the convenience of one-stop gourmet shopping.

How McDonald's is targeting the bakery crowd

The retail bakery business paid close attention to developments at McDonald’s early this year. The foodservice giant’s decision to offer all-day breakfast provided useful details to the entire foodservice industry, including bakeries.

Wisconsin bakery sells unique presidential candidate cookies

Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe in De Pere, Wisconsin took a creative approach to this year’s presidential election when it comes to its baked goods.

Study: Baking good for mental health

According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, creative endeavors such as cooking or baking can make people happier.

IBIE 2016 is largest in event’s history

The 2016 International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE)—the most comprehensive event in the Western Hemisphere for the grain-based food industry—experienced its largest show to date in October in Las Vegas with more than 1,000 exhibitors.

The piecaken is your new holiday obsession

Much like the Turducken, the layered dish that stuffs a chicken inside of a duck inside of a turkey, this layered dessert looks to become the next big thing in holiday indulgence.

Overtime rule set to take effect December 1st

Employers were preparing for the Department of Labor’s overtime rule months in advance of December, figuring out how to comply with the new changes.

While the rule is currently in limbo as a federal injunction has halted its implementation until the court has heard a case made by business owners who say the Labor Department overstepped its authority in raising the overtime-pay threshold, many businesses are  continuing with planned changes to pay.

Cake decorators rise to top at IBIE

The 15th annual Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Creative Decorating Competition took place Tuesday, October 11, during the final day of the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) in Las Vegas. Competing cake decorators wowed the IBIE crowds with show-stopping designs.

Election cakes - Sweetening election season through history

Old World Levain (OWL) Bakery in Asheville, North Carolina looked to “Make America Cake Again” in a social media campaign leading up to the 2016 presidential election. They joined with other bakers nationwide to sweeten up the election season with a culinary tradition that dates back to Colonial America.