Naples Bakery Will Close After 97 Years

EVERGREEN PARK, IL - Naples Bakery will close at the end of the year after nearly a century of serving baked goods to the South Side of Chicago and the nearby southwest suburbs.

The final day for the popular bakery that’s been at 3705 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park for years will be Dec. 31.

“With Barraco’s taking over our building to expand their business, a long era is coming to an end,” the business wrote on its Facebook page recently. “We wish them as much success as we’ve had through the past few decades.”

The bakery famous for its cannolis, napoleons and sfogiatellas has developed a loyal following, not just for nearby customers in Evergreen Park but for several residents of nearby suburbs and longtime fans who remember the bakery’s original location on 69th Street near Wolcott Avenue in Chicago.

“We developed many friendships and loyal customers and for that we are forever grateful,” Naples continued in its statement. “We would like to thank you for your past business, and tell you how much we have enjoyed having you as a customer.”

Fans were understandably upset about the end of an era that dates back 97 years.

“Your cannolis and sprinkle cookies are an indelible part of my childhood. Today, a wonderful reminder of my very missed grandparents,” wrote Annabelle Marie Gilman. “So sad to see Naples go. Thank you for giving so many delicious memories!”

“Evergreen Park is losing so much more than just a bakery,” Patti Fredrek Zink added. “I worked right next to you at Artlynn for 34 years. You were wonderful neighbors and will truly be missed.”

JoAnn Caccitolo Robertson remembers Naples’ 69th Street location and continued to be a loyal customer following the move to Evergreen Park.

“We come from all over to get the best baked goods ever. My grandma and I used to walk to the original location...We were all raised on Naples Bakery.”

In a second Facebook post, Naples made it clear that although Barraco’s will expand its Evergreen Park location to include the Naples space, the Italian restaurant did not “push out” the bakery.

“Over the last 36 years that Naples and Barraco’s have been neighbors we have become very close like a family. After 97 years in business the Naples family decided the time had come.”

Photo by Tim Moran / Patch