Cheesecakes By James: 'National Cheesecake Day Like A Recharge'

JOLIET, IL — One of the Joliet area's hardest-working bakers will be at it again this week as this Friday marks National Cheesecake Day. For James Sankey, it's a chance to celebrate his one-year milestone with Cheesecakes By James.

It's been one year since he returned to downtown Joliet to open Cheesecakes By James in the corner storefront at 81 North Chicago St. He is across from the historic Rialto Square Theatre near the city's Van Buren Plaza.

"It's like a testament of my never giving up," Sankey said, reflecting on the significance of National Cheesecake Day. "I'm going to make it special for the people who supported me. Being in Joliet for eight years with my business, National Cheesecake Day it's like a re-charge. It's a refresh button."

Sankey urged customers to call ahead this week with their orders as much as possible. He will be selling individual slices as well as his homemade cheesecakes.

Cheesecakes by Joliet has a strong social media presence. Its Facebook page has 8,592 followers.

"We're taking preorders now and people can preorder slices as well," Sankey told Joliet Patch during last week's interview. "National Cheesecake Day will be a weekend celebration where people can come in and hang out or just stop by. We're extending out hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It's our first year on Chicago Street anniversary, but we'll be celebrating being in business for eight years."

By overwhelming demand, Sankey said he is bringing back his popular key lime cheesecake. Sankey expects his blueberry, pineapple, raspberry and white chocolate turtle cheesecakes will be fan favorites this weekend at his restaurant.

"All the flavors will be available," he added.

He will also offer some cheesecakes with sugar-free and gluten-free cheesecake options.

Overall, Sankey said he has no regrets about his decision to open his storefront in downtown Joliet. The city has a large parking lot nearby.

"Being here, I'm a little bit closer to everybody," he said.

To place your preorders, call Cheesecakes By James at 815-409-7339 or visit the website here. Cheeescakes By James has 106 Google Reviews, averaging 4.6 stars out of 5 stars.