In 2008, Peter Caruso was working in land development. As the economy struggled through a difficult recession and business slowed, he began considering his options.

Peter owned a building in Clarkston and had a pastie recipe. Together, he and his wife Nancy decided to take a chance and open Uncle Peter Pasties.

But Peter’s history with the Clarkston location actually began years earlier. In 1985, he opened a deli in the building at 6215 Sashabaw Road.

When Uncle Peter Pasties opened in 2008, they began with beef and chicken, using grass-fed beef and poultry from the Amish.

In 2012, Uncle Peter Pasties became USDA approved, making it possible to expand the business to other retailers. The Lake Orion location became the store where all the pasties are made, bringing the production of Uncle Peter Pasties together in one place.

Today, Uncle Peter Pasties has locations in Clarkston and Lake Orion, continuing the story that began with Peter, Nancy, a building, and a pastie recipe.