Ray (Sr.) and Evelyn Slaby first opened Door County’s oldest roadside market in 1950 after purchasing the orchard the year before. “It should have been called Evelyn’s Cherry Hut since she took care of most things there”, said Fred Slaby, “but Ray’s just sounded better.” The original Ray’s Cherry Hut started as a 16’ by 24’ roadside stand and has been open every summer since. In August of 2008, Ray’s Cherry Hut again opened but under the new ownership and guidance of the Pollman family.
In running Ray’s Cherry Hut over the past 57 years, Pam and Fred Slaby are most proud of the relationships they have made with customers that make their annual stop at the roadside market a family tradition. “We have a retired couple that stops in and they always ask us if we remember the people that forgot their son at Ray’s. They left their five year old son at the Cherry Hut and didn’t realize he was missing for quite some time before they returned for him,” they recollect with a smile. “Their son is now in his thirties and says he has never forgiven them for that.”
The Slaby’s are happy that the Pollman family will keep the business going. Their retirement and passing on the business is bittersweet. “Selling to Door Peninsula Winery makes us feel good knowing that Ray’s has been handed over to very caring people who will carry on our good name and service our wonderful customers,” Pam said.