From Granger to Magna: The Sweet Legacy of Roger Hayes

Roger Hayes: The Heart Behind the Oven

Step into Reams in Magna, and the warm aroma of fresh bread and sugary donuts might still remind longtime locals of Roger Hayes, the beloved baker whose talents and generosity touched nearly every corner of the west-side community.

Roger began learning to bake at the age of five, taught by a neighbor who owned a bakery. That early passion became a lifelong career. Before launching his own shop, Roger honed his skills at The Royal Bakery in Montpelier, Albertsons in Logan, Tooele, and several Salt Lake locations, and also worked as a baker for Harmons Grocery.

His first independent bakery opened at Mr. J’s in Granger on Market Street, followed by locations inside Bobco’s and Food 4 Less on 35th and Redwood which were all longtime favorites in the Granger area.

In November 1986, he found a permanent home for Roger’s Bakery inside Reams Grocery Store in Magna—a community he was proud to both live and work in.

Roger’s bakery quickly became a neighborhood treasure, known for its doughnuts, pumpkin rolls filled with cream cheese, hot bread, and colorful cookies. And don’t forget the eclairs—famous among locals and simply unbeatable.

His talent reached celebrity levels, too. In 1993, when Bob Hope celebrated his 80th birthday in West Valley City by hosting a golf tournament at the WestRidge Golf Course, Roger was called upon to create an enormous golf-themed cake. The massive 4-by-8-foot masterpiece looked just like a golf course and included 86 edible golf balls, each printed with Bob Hope’s picture. The cake fed over a thousand people and made national headlines.

Roger’s Awards: 1998 the Hunter Lions Club Presented him as a “Dedicated Citizen to his Community” Award. In 2000 Magna awarded him as the Citizen of the Year.

But Roger’s true impact wasn’t in the spotlight—it was in his quiet, daily acts of generosity. He gave freely of his time and baked goods to churches, schools, sports teams, and local events. Children stopping by the bakery were often surprised with a free cookie, and he had a soft spot for Cyprus High School and Utah’s swimming and water polo community. The Cyprus Pirate Swim Team and Roger had a cherished tradition: the Cookie Swim Meet. At this fun and competitive event, winners received a medal and a giant pirate-shaped cookie, while all participants were treated to sweet creations donated by Roger’s Bakery. The “Cookie Meet” became a local favorite, blending athletic effort with community sweetness—a perfect reflection of Roger himself.

Roger didn’t make speeches or seek attention—he just showed up. Whether for the Magna Clean-Up, a school fundraiser, or any group in need, Roger was always there with a box of donuts and a heart to help.

The Wesemann family from Granger holds a special place in their hearts for Roger. Bettina Wesemann began working for him on Market Street at Mr. J’s and Bobco’s, later joining his bakery at Food 4 Less on Redwood and 3500 South, and eventually at the Magna Ream’s location. Bettina fondly recalled how Roger was a tireless supporter of youth, giving so many their first jobs in his bakery. Her brother Andreas also worked for Roger when he needed a job to help fund his trip to the National Boy Scout Jamboree. “He was like a part of our family,” Bettina shared. Former employees, their spouses, and even their children would often stop by just to say hello—and, of course, to grab a fresh donut or maple bar from Roger’s welcoming bakery.

When he passed away in 2014, Roger’s final wish reflected his lifetime of giving. Instead of flowers, he asked for donations to the “Dough for Kids Scholarship Fund” at Cyprus Credit Union, ensuring his love for children and community would live on.

Roger Hayes baked with skill, heart, and humility—and left behind not only unforgettable treats, but a legacy of kindness and community that still rises today