New Ventures
Brown Sugar Bakery has recently opened two new locations, one at O’Hare airport with Veteran Roasters and one inside a local coffee shop at 161 North Clark. “The airport location is a great long-term opportunity, though working through a distributor is a new experience for us. It’s been a valuable learning process,” said Hart.
The 161 North Clark location is a unique partnership where the coffee shop features Brown Sugar Bakery’s baked goods. Hart said, “We’ve also expanded into including breakfast sandwiches, and we handle everything for the coffee shop and deliver fresh products every morning.”
Treats and Desserts
The “Obama Cake” is a signature creation of four fresh-baked, moist, and buttery layers of yellow cake, dark chocolate cake, and red velvet cake. It is also a symbol of success as it is still a valuable option and thrives in order fulfillment.
“The Obama Cake is our best seller thanks to my James Beard Foundation nomination,” said Hart, who also takes pride in her caramel cakes, which remained a top seller after 22 years. She also added, “Caramel cakes are no joke. They require precision and care every time. Even after all these years, it’s still a project, but we kept the quality consistent, and I’m proud of that.”
Cherished Memory
Established in 2002, the Brown Sugar Bakery has become a beloved institution, but its roots are traced to Hart’s earliest and most treasured memories. When asked about a recipe that defines the essence of her bakery, she shared a recollection tied to a neighbor’s pound cake dessert that left a lasting impression on her childhood.
“My earliest memory has to be my neighbor’s pound cake. I remember being with my grandmother at the block club party when I was a young girl, which was a big deal back then. At this specific party, there was a pound cake with something hidden in the center, and if you guessed what was in the middle, you would win the cake. My grandmother knew how much I loved that pound cake, so she leaned over and whispered the answer: a spool of thread. I raised my hand and said the answer, and I won the cake.”
Community Engagement
Brown Sugar Bakery also contributes to the community. Hart highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for growth and development.
“I’m always looking for new team members, especially within the community,” she said. “I’m not focused on someone’s past; I look for people ready to work hard and grow right now.”
The Future Vision of Brown Sugar Bakery
Hart described the fresh customer-focused workflow at the bakery.
“If a customer sees us baking, they can grab something fresh, no problem. She added, “People get so excited sometimes they’ll tap on the window; that’s how it broke recently and is getting repaired as we speak. They just can’t resist saying, ‘That’s my cake, it’s all love, though.'”
Conclusion
Under Hart’s leadership, Brown Sugar Bakery has become a staple in the Chicago community, known for its delicious treats and strong ties to the community. Through its commitment to tradition, community engagement, and new ventures, the bakery continues to thrive and bring joy to every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired you to start Brown Sugar Bakery?
A: My earliest memories of baking with my grandmother and great aunt, who owned a bakery, and the joy it brought to our family and community.
Q: What sets your bakery apart from others?
A: Our commitment to quality, consistency, and tradition, as well as our focus on community engagement and providing opportunities for growth and development.
Q: How do you balance your legacy with innovation and growth?
A: By staying true to my roots and honoring my grandmother’s legacy, while also introducing new flavors and creations with a twist.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring Black women entrepreneurs?
A: “Elbow grease, discipline, and hard work pay off not overnight, and sometimes you have to turn the ego off and get the job done.”
