Questions
Are you open? And the rest of what people ask.
Hours, what goes in an online order, how far ahead to call, and how wedding cakes work.
Visiting
When are you open?
Tuesday through Friday, 7am to 5pm. Saturday, 6:30am to 5pm. We’re closed Sunday and Monday.
Which holidays are you closed?
We’re almost always closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and December 26th. Otherwise we’re open Tuesday through Saturday all year.
Where are you?
3940 Shelbyville Road in St. Matthews, Louisville, KY 40207. We only have the one location.
How do you say “Plehn’s”?
Like planes that you fly in, or plain.
Ordering
What can I order online?
Anything you could normally buy from the cases. Online ordering runs through ChowNow.
Can I customize an online order?
No. The one change allowed online is adding a message to a cake. Anything decorated or custom is ordered on the phone or in person.
How do I order a decorated cake?
Call 502.896.4438 or order at the counter. Decorated cakes book up, so we suggest you order early. On weekends we may be limited to pre-decorated cakes we can add your message to.
How far ahead should I order for a holiday?
At least 3 days ahead.
Do I need to pre-order cupcakes?
Seasonal and basic iced cupcakes are in the case with no pre-order. All other cupcakes must be ordered. Yellow and Devilsfood have no minimum; Strawberry, Almond, Lemon and Orange come by the dozen; Red Velvet, Carrot and Spice have a 3-dozen minimum. Italian Cream isn’t available as cupcakes.
Do you make ice cream cakes?
Yes, round only. We need at least 48 hours for the ice cream to set, so call ahead.
Can I order a deli tray?
Yes. We make sandwich trays and meat-and-cheese trays. Choose butter buns (small or large), medium white buns or hamburger buns, and call to order.
Wedding cakes
How do wedding cake consultations work?
Consultations are complimentary and by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Call 502.896.4438 to schedule yours. We don’t hold consultations on some days before Easter, Derby, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What does a wedding cake cost?
We don’t have a set price per slice or per person. The price comes from the size (tiers and layers), the tier flavors, the fillings, the icing flavor and the design, so we work it out with you at the consultation.
Will my cake look exactly like the photo?
We have multiple decorators working, so no two cakes will ever be exactly alike.
The bakery
How long have you been here?
Kuno Plehn, from Kiel, Germany, opened the bakery on Shelby Street in 1922. It moved to Shelbyville Road in St. Matthews in 1924 and has been here since.
Is it still family owned?
Yes. Bernie Bowling, Sr. bought the bakery in 1945. It passed to his sons and then to their children. The fourth generation of the family runs it today.
Do you really make the ice cream?
Yes. An ice cream works was added in 1927 and we still make our ice cream on site.
Are you hiring?
Download the application and send it to jobs.at.plehns@gmail.com.
Still not sure?
Ask the counter.
Call during shop hours and we’ll sort it out with you.
Online = anything from the case, plus a message on a cake. Anything decorated or custom: call or come in.