Daily dose of sweetness: A newspaper, a struggling restaurant and the power of pie

Like so many, restaurants are hurting right now. Many are doing what they can to help by ordering takeout and delivery from their local favorites.

But what happens when people forget about some of the locals?

Debra Pedro, 66, has owned the Maplewood Perkins for nearly two decades. She told Star Tribune columnist Jennifer Brooks that on a recent Monday, she only got four to-go orders in 11 hours.

"Everyone says 'support your local, support your local,' " she told Brooks. "They don't know Perkins is local too."

Brooks ended her column urging: "If you find yourself in need of Easter pie or an order of Easter eggs and bacon, Deb's place will be open until 3 p.m. this holiday. It's the Perkins at 1829 N. St. Paul Road in Maplewood. If you call ahead, they'll make the pie fresh."

Her readers answered the call by making the call. A lot of them.

Brooks also gifted us with this follow-up:


From acts of kindness and sweet gestures to inspirational signs, these are some of the ways Minnesotans are lifting one another during the coronavirus pandemic.

Discover something that brightens your day? We may include it here. Email it to nyang@mpr.org.