Vendor Spotlight: Wacky Wendell’s Butter Tarts

If there’s one treat that never seems to stay on the table for long at Horton Farmers’ Market, it’s a butter tart from Wacky Wendell’s. Whether you’re loyal to the classic plain tart, can’t resist the raisin or pecan, or love trying seasonal favourites like apple crumble, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself coming back for “just one more.”

Behind every tart is a family recipe, plenty of care, and a business that’s as much about spending time together as it is about baking. 

Wacky Wendell’s is a family operation run by Wendell and Cindy Graves alongside their daughters, Andrea Tran and Rebecca Faris. While the business officially began in 2017 with honey production, their baking journey took off during the COVID-19 pandemic when a neighbour organized a small pop-up market. “We wanted to support her so we had a table of fresh baked goods including our butter tarts,” they shared, “the response was overwhelming. That was the ignition point.” 

Today, the Horton Farmers’ Market is the exclusive place to find Wacky Wendell’s, where customers have made their handcrafted treats a market tradition. Their butter tarts aren’t just another bakery item – they’re made from a treasured family recipe handed down from Wendell’s mother. Every batch starts with hand-made pastry, and one ingredient that makes them especially memorable: maple syrup made by the family themselves. ​

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That same commitment to using their own ingredients carries over into their rich, fudgy brownies, which are sweetened with honey harvested from their own bees. It’s these thoughtful touches that make every bite feel just a little more special. ​

While butter tarts remain the star of the table, there’s plenty to discover. Alongside the classic plain, raisin, pecan, and wild berry coconut varieties, seasonal flavours like strawberry rhubarb and apple crumble give customers something new to look forward to throughout the year. ​

The story behind the business name is just as memorable as the treats themselves. Shortly after harvesting their very first batch of honey, Wendell and Cindy realized they needed a name before bringing it to the market. On the drive to church, “Wacky Wendell’s” came to mind. “We laughed and laughed thinking this would be a great source of conversation in the days ahead,” they recalled. “Never did we think it would morph into the little family business we have today.”

Although the business has grown over the years, the heart of Wacky Wendell’s has remained the
​same: family. Rebecca and Wendell spend Fridays baking together in preparation for market day. On Saturdays, Andrea joins Wendell at the Horton Farmers’ Market booth to welcome customers, while Cindy keeps everything running behind the scenes - including business administration and helping with grandchildren. Wendell explains, “as a small family business, each of us with busy lives, we cherish the time that we are able to connect with each other through Wacky Wendell's."

The close-knit approach is something customers notice, and it’s helped build an incredibly loyal following. In recent years, the business has expanded its preorder offerings through Facebook and Instagram, making it easy for customers to reserve their favourite treats for Saturday pickup. Wacky Wendell’s also now provides tarts for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions while staying focused on the product that made them popular in the first place. ​

For the Grave’s family, Horton Farmers’ Market has always been part of the St. Thomas community. “Growing up in St. Thomas, the Horton Farmers’ Market has always been an important fixture in the community.” Today, one of their favourite parts of market mornings is reconnecting with familiar faces, “it is a pleasure to be at the market on Saturdays visiting with the customers including old friends and business acquaintances." 

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When asked why supporting local matters, their answer perfectly captures what makes markets like Horton so special, “there is a real qualitative factor that is provided to the customers as a result of the pride and workmanship that is invested by the local small business owner.” If Wendell could give any advice to other small business owners, it would be: “stay focused, be creative, and be genuine.”

If you’re looking for a handcrafted dessert made with family recipes, home-produced maple syrup and honey, and plenty of heart, stop by Wacky Wendell’s at Horton Farmers’ Market. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest butter tart updates. Whether you’re picking up a dozen butter tarts for a gathering or treating yourself to a fudgy brownie, you’ll be supporting a local family whose passion shines through in every bite. 

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Kate Hanslip, Summer Marketing Assistant ​

Kate is a recent social sciences graduate from Western University and currently a marketing student at Fanshawe College. Having grown up in St. Thomas, she brings a love of history and storytelling to her work where she enjoys highlighting the people, businesses, and stories that shape the community. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, exploring local trails, and experimenting in the kitchen.