This Amish Market In Michigan Draws Crowds For Its Homemade Sandwiches

Just off US-131 in Tustin, a modest storefront hums with the steady rhythm of slicing knives and soft conversation. Yoder’s of Tustin is part grocery, part bakery, and part deli, yet it is wholly devoted to the pleasures of simple, well-made food.

While travelers often speak of the towering sandwiches in hushed, reverent tones, the charm stretches from the aromatic dough room to the meticulously crafted furniture showroom next door.

As we navigate the unhurried pace of 2026, this stop remains a necessary anchor for those traveling the spine of the Lower Peninsula. It is a place where the cheese is sliced thick, the bread is baked that morning, and the service carries a genuine, quiet warmth.

Bring cash, bring an appetite, and let this visit remind you of the value of things made by hand and sold with a smile. Yoder’s is a timeless Michigan landmark for artisanal simplicity.

To make the most of your stop in Tustin, you need to know the “sandwich strategy”, specifically, how to customize your order from their legendary deli counter, and why you should never leave without a bag of their house-fried noodles.

I’ve gathered a few practical tips to help you navigate the shop, from the best seasonal pie flavors to the specific etiquette of this Amish-run gem.

Time Your Visit For Fresh Bread

Walk in right after opening and the aroma of fresh bread hits you first, warm, yeasty, and slightly sweet. While the deli moves quickly, bread baked that very morning makes a remarkable difference in both texture and flavor. You’ll find a soft crumb, a tender chew, and a crust that perfectly cushions every bite of turkey, ham, or roast beef.

Yoder’s operates on a dedicated baking rhythm, and arriving on weekdays around 8 AM often feels the most unhurried. Catching this early window keeps the lines short and ensures you get the softest slices available. If you are arriving later in the day, don’t hesitate to ask the staff which loaves are the freshest to pair with your deli slip.

The result is a sandwich that stays sturdy without tearing, a quiet promise fulfilled, especially when you add crisp lettuce and a slice of sharp cheddar.

Know The Ordering Slip

To get your meal started, head straight to the glass deli case and grab a small order slip. This system is designed for efficiency. You check your preferred bread type (like white, wheat, or rye), choose from a curated list of high-quality deli meats, select your cheese, and mark your toppings.

It’s a clear, quick process that keeps the line flowing without the fuss of verbal back-and-forth.

The team at Yoder’s assembles each sandwich to order with practiced speed. The form helps you carefully consider add-ons you might otherwise forget, like tangy pickles or a specific mustard. Many regulars suggest circling Swiss for a nuttier finish or opting for a pretzel roll if they are available that day.

Simply hand your slip in, wait a few minutes, and listen to the soft bustle behind the counter. Your sandwich will arrive tidy, generous, and wrapped perfectly for travel, making it the ideal lunch for a drive through the nearby pines.

Bring Cash Or Check Only

Before you step inside, it is essential to check your wallet. Yoder’s traditionally operates on a cash or check only basis, a detail that saves you from an awkward trek to the nearest ATM. While prices are very reasonable, the sheer variety of cookies, specialty cheeses, and bulk goods means you’ll likely want to walk away with more than just a sandwich.

This policy matches the store’s straightforward, traditional rhythm. By skipping credit card terminals, the checkout process remains simple and the lines move faster during the lunch rush.

Plan your budget for extras like their famous bulk spices or a jar of homemade jam. Spending a few extra dollars can turn a quick lunch stop into a full pantry restock, leaving you feeling prepared rather than pinched.

Catch Tuesday “Fry Pie” Day

On Tuesdays, the bakery turns out a local legend, the Fry Pie. These handheld treats vanish quickly, especially the raspberry filling, which is bright and jammy against a flaky, glazed pocket that shatters softly with every bite. It is exactly the kind of treat that makes a highway detour feel like a brilliant decision.

The shop follows a specific baking schedule, often clearly posted, so you know exactly when to expect donuts, cookies, or these specialized hand pies. To avoid the heartbreak of an empty tray, try to arrive before midday.

Pairing a savory deli sandwich with a sweet, fruit-filled fry pie provides the perfect balance of flavors. It isn’t fancy or pretentious, just focused and fresh, which perfectly encapsulates the Yoder’s experience.

Use The Bread To Your Advantage

The secret to a Yoder’s sandwich starts with the thick-cut loaf. Whether you choose white or wheat, the bread is substantial enough to handle moisture well, ensuring that tomatoes and mayo don’t make the bottom slice soggy before you finish your meal.

The texture is designed to cushion thin-sliced meats while keeping the edges of the sandwich intact.

The kitchen crew utilizes a tidy layering technique, meat, then cheese, followed by greens and sauces. For the best experience, ask for even spreads rather than heavy streaks of condiments. If you’re a fan of texture, request extra pickles for a sharp crunch against the soft bread crumb.

A classic combination like turkey and Swiss on wheat provides a mild, toasty pairing that is incredibly travel-friendly for the drive up US 131.

Arrive Early For Shorter Lines

On busy Saturdays, the deli queue has been known to snake past the bulk bins and toward the back of the store. While the vibe remains calm and respectful, timing is everything if you prefer to avoid a wait. Early morning visits (between 8 AM and 10 AM) feel the most relaxed, with the staff focused and the ovens still radiating heat.

Yoder’s keeps straightforward hours, usually closed on Thursdays and Sundays, so plan your trip accordingly. I usually aim for the mid-morning gap after the first wave of breakfast shoppers has cleared out.

This gives you plenty of room to browse the aisles for spices, glass-bottle milk, or local honey while your sandwich is being assembled.

Respect The Pace, Enjoy The Hum

One of the most unique aspects of Yoder’s is the atmosphere. Instead of the frantic energy of a typical grocery store, you’ll notice a comfortable rhythm of soft conversation and the occasional hymn hummed from the bakery.

It’s a space where small kindnesses are the norm rather than the exception.

This calm extends to the shopping experience as well. Other customers naturally step aside in the bulk aisles to let you pass. If you allow the line to breathe and embrace the slower pace, you’ll find that everything actually moves quite efficiently.

Once your food arrives, perhaps a simple ham and cheddar with mustard, you can carry it out to your car or a nearby park, where the Michigan countryside serves as a perfect, quiet dining room.

Mind The Space, Navigate Smoothly

The store is a multi-functional space, housing groceries, a deli, a bakery, and a furniture showroom. Because of this, the aisles can tighten significantly near end-caps and in the transitions between sections. While a small stroller can navigate the paths, larger side-by-side models might struggle with the bottlenecks.

To keep the flow easy for everyone, a pro-tip is to park your shopping cart before joining the deli line. This keeps the walkway clear for those browsing the bulk goods or looking at the handcrafted bed frames and tables.

The food is well worth the minor logistical effort. Your sandwich will emerge wrapped and ready to be carried out through the store and back to the dirt parking lot.

Try The Simple Combos First

With so many high-quality ingredients at your fingertips, it’s tempting to over-complicate your order. However, it’s best to start with the basics to truly appreciate the quality. A turkey with Swiss, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on white bread is balanced, clean, and highlights the freshness of the bakery.

The lack of a sprawling, confusing menu is a testament to the shop’s experience. They know what they do well and they stick to it.

Once you’ve established a baseline, you can start experimenting with sweet pickles, pepper jack cheese, or different bread varieties. Many visitors find that splitting a sandwich is enough to satisfy them, especially if they’ve saved room for a saucer-sized cookie.

Do A Final Sweep Before Checkout

Before you head to the register, take one last look around for hidden treasures. Low shelves often hold jars of local honey, maple syrup, and canned goods that are easy to miss. You might find “Sandwich of the Week” specials or fresh-baked cinnamon rolls near the front counter that weren’t there when you arrived.

The fair pricing at Yoder’s is a tradition that draws both locals and highway travelers alike. Make sure to check the bakery cases one last time, as popular items sell out quickly.

Once you’ve made your final selections, pay with cash at the simple wooden counter and step back out into the bright Michigan light. With a neatly wrapped sandwich and a bag of local treats, your lunch is solved and your next few meals are already halfway planned.