Cheesecakes By James Leaving Joliet For Crest Hill Location

JOLIET, IL — After operating his Cheesecakes By James dessert shop in downtown Joliet's 81 North Chicago Street building the past two years, James Sankey is on the move.

"I'm so elated to have had so many blessings come through the heart of Joliet, but I've decided to relocate my operation from downtown Joliet to Crest Hill," Sankey informed Patch. "I'm excited about my upcoming move to Crest Hill, but I'm heartbroken about leaving Joliet.

"Joliet, this was where the magic began. Thank you for the many wonderful years."

Sankey told Joliet Patch he will be vacating his storefront across from the Van Buren Plaza's water fountain at the end of June, but for all practical purposes the downtown Joliet is being shut down for walk-in traffic.

"We're taking orders for Father's Day," Sankey said, "but the store is closed (except) for catering and parties."

Cheesecakes By James is moving to 21113 Division Street in Crest Hill, which is near Weber Road. Sankey said the new storefront offers a much larger kitchen, which was critical for his plans to expand and grow his business.

"It's huge. It's more room," Sankey said of the new kitchen space in Crest Hill. "Our kitchen was too small. We didn't have room to grow. We want to accommodate a lot of orders."

Sankey said being in Crest Hill location should work out because "most of my customers are closer to the west side of town, and a lot of my east side customers already do their shopping on the west side of the city."

Sankey is encouraging customers to come out for his grand opening event on July 30 in Crest Hill, which marks National Cheesecake Day. This summer also marks his 10th anniversary of running Cheesecakes By James, he said.

"I thank God for his hand upon my life," Sankey reflected. "I thank Him for keeping me covered from seen and unseen danger. God's kindness, faithfulness and love has been unfailing. Because God's loving kindness has made such an impact on my life, I will continue to be helpful and allow kindness to be at the forefront of my daily encounters."

For more information, visit theCheesecakes By James website.