A husband-and-wife duo helms the South Ninth Street Italian Market-based business.
By Mariam Diallo

Karen and John Blisard in the takeout window of Pop’s Bun Shop, 800 S. Ninth St., on Sept. 19, 2024.
Pop’s Bun Shop 800 S. Ninth St.
https://www.popsbunshop.com/
Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or until items sold out on Saturday
An amiable couple who this year will celebrate 20 years of marriage, Karen and John Blisard love being gregarious, considering camaraderie as one of life’s finest gifts. Since September 21st, patrons of Pop’s Bun Shop, 800 S. Ninth St., have come to count their creations as another amazing earthly offering, giving the proprietors a chance to show off their pleasant personalities and diligent work ethics.
“It’s been a great adventure so far,” John said from the compact Bella Vista space in which he and his wife prepare their wares. “We are fatigued but pleasantly so.”
The go-getters “couldn’t imagine being in another neighborhood,” according to Karen, to operate an establishment. Having years ago not lived far from the spot that now fosters their livelihood, the current Wayne residents have made the last six months a wonderful union between their ambition and customers’ enthusiasm for delicious pastries, bonding with buyers with each transaction. “We’re a low-key place, for sure,” Karen said in moving her eyes around the location and centering on its walk-up window, “and I think people like seeing such an operation situated where we are.” Not far from the eateries that have long held sway within the South Ninth Street Italian Market, Pop’s Bun Shop, whose name is an homage to John’s father, Ray Blisard, prides itself on its sweet and savory menu items. Sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, and various kolaches have had many admirers since last autumn, with John noting the popularity of a sausage-gravy savory brainchild. Intensely cared-for dough makes everything possible, but a great attitude goes a long way, too, and the husband-and-wife pair revels in giving the public its best each time. Dabbling with the idea of tinkering with the savory selections, Karen and John let an obsession with freshness and innovation drive their decisions and look forward to seeing how the spring unfolds and foot traffic increases within the South Ninth Street Italian Market’s environs. “When I saw this site (in June 2023), that sealed the dream of making this investment to have a bakery,” John said. “We needed some time to finalize everything, but we’re thrilled with the reactions that we’ve had.”