Candidates, coach face off in bakery’s cookie election

STERLING HEIGHTS — As Democrats and Republicans vie to win hearts and minds during this campaign season, a Sterling Heights bakery is running its own poll on locals’ appetites.

Mannino’s Bakery in Sterling Heights has recently been continuing its tradition of holding a mock election where customers show their support for the major presidential candidates by buying cookies. The contest started Oct. 8 and is set to end on Election Day.

Florence Manenti, who works at the bakery and is the mother of bakery co-owner Mario Spagnuolo, told the Sentry Oct. 30 that Mannino’s original ownership started the cookie election tradition in the 1980s. 

She said that tradition has continued over the years — as Mario and Marie Spagnuolo took over the bakery around nine years ago. And according to her, the contest’s winner each  presidential election year has been right except for 2020.

Manenti said the event is fun for the staff. 

“It's fun. It's just camaraderie,” she said. “Somebody comes in and buys a Harris cookie; somebody comes in and buys a Trump cookie. They have a little bit of banter, friendly banter, back and forth. And you know, it's just something that they enjoy.”

When customers “vote” in the contest, they purchase chocolate chip cookies that have the Republican or Democratic candidate’s name on them. Former President Donald Trump’s cookie is frosted red, and current Vice President Kamala Harris’ cookie is frosted blue.

For customers who prefer neither of those candidates, a fantasy third-party option exists: Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions. His cookie is decorated with his team’s colors: blue lettering on white frosting.

As of Oct. 30, Trump was winning Mannino’s contest with 856 cookies sold, followed by Harris with 732. Campbell had 689.

The contest is by no means scientific in predicting who will win after Election Day. Customers have no limit on the number of cookies they may buy, so they are allowed to figuratively stuff ballots along with their stomachs. However, it can informally reflect enthusiasm for the candidates. 

Mannino’s Bakery is located at 4062 17 Mile Road in Sterling Heights. Learn more by visiting manninosbakery.com or by calling (586) 978-8166. 

Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.