New Bakery In Oak Lawn Offers A Little Something Extra And More

OAK LAWN, IL -- Eight hours after their son Billy was born 18 years ago, Maria and Bill Veal were told their baby had Down Syndrome, a condition brought on by a genetic disorder than can cause a wide range of developmental delays and physical disabilities. Feeling as if their world had collapsed, the Oak Lawn couple soon bounced back realizing that Billy was a blessing no different than any other child. With Billy’s older sister, Alex, and youngest son, Daniel, Maria and Bill balanced the activities of their children along with busy corporate careers. They also worried about what kind of life Billy would have when he reached adulthood.

“We’ve always wanted Billy to be able to work and contribute back to the community that has given him so much,” Maria said.

Born in Mexico, Maria loved spending time in her grandma’s grocery store, and especially loved the freshly baked bolillo and concha rolls. Maria moved to the United States at the age of six, and her love of cooking and baking was fostered in the Bridgeport area. Graduating from DePaul University and entering the banking world with a focus on food companies, Maria had always harbored a dream to open her own bakery. Realizing that Oak Lawn was underserved in two key markets -- freshly made pastries served in a casual setting and great coffee unlike big chains -- Bill and Maria knew they had the makings of a unique business. (SUBSCRIBE: Get Real-Time Alerts and a Daily Newsletter for Oak Lawn)

Maria quit corporate America and the Veals pursued opening Little Something Extra Bakery and Cafe as a family at 4616 W. 103rd St. in Oak Lawn. Their goal was twofold: create a space where friends and family could gather and relax over freshly made pastries and great coffee or tea. Bill and Maria also wanted a place where Billy could work. The Veals partnered with Dist. 218 to have members of the district’s Adult Transition Program work in the bakery.

“We hope that we can provide opportunities to kids and adults with special needs, because we know they can contribute to our bakery, and to Oak Lawn,” Maria said.

Little Something Extra Bakery will hold a two-week-long grand opening from Wednesday Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 16, featuring a different treat each day. Pastries run the gamut from muffins, sticky buns, brownies, scones. doughnuts and cookies. In addition to baked goods, the bakery offers sandwiches, soups and salads and a kids’ menu, as well as hot and cold drinks. Special orders are also available. The bakery also offers a drive-thru.

The star of the bakery is 18-year-old Billy and his friend Jenna Richards.

“He’s always been a confident social child,” Maria said. “He’s showing interest in baking and working the cash register. His speech is getting better. He greets customers when they walk through the door and thanks them.”

Little Something Extra Bakery and Cafe is located at 4616 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn, on the east side of the Jewel-Osco-anchored shopping center at 103rd Street and Cicero. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The drive-thru opens an hour earlier on all six days. The bakery is closed on Tuesdays. Keep up with Little Something Extra Bakery happenings on Facebook.

~ Photos provided by Little Something Extra Bakery