How Sweet It Was: Doughs Guys Bakery To Close At End Of Year

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL—Doughs Guys Bakery, which brought sweetness and comfort to the south suburbs for almost 14 years, announced it would be closing its doors in Palos Heights at the end of 2026.

Owner Sharon O’Neill, who opened Doughs Guys Bakery in 2013 with her late husband, Sean O’Neill, announced on Facebook that the bakery’s last day will be Dec. 31.

“[While] the past 14 years have not been without its share of bitterness, we can confidently share that business at Doughs Guys Bakery has been just that sweet,” the statement said. “Our loyal customers, hardworking employees, and amazing friends and family have all made our lives infinitely sweeter.”

Doughs Guys became famous for its made-from-scratch custom baked goods—from wedding cakes to coffee cakes to bread and cookies. The bakery’s famous long john covered with a maple glaze and bits of real bacon was named one of the “Top Ten Donuts” by WGN’s “Chicago’s Best” in 2017.

“When we first opened the doors of Doughs Guys Bakery we could never have imagined what the future held for us and all the amazing opportunities ahead. Similarly, we could not have anticipated the many differences that come with running a business.”

Doughs Guys originally opened in February 2013 in Chicago Ridge. The bakery relocated to its present location in Palos Heights in 2015. There were attempts to expand the bakery with a second location in Crestwood, which closed in 2021 after four years.

Sean O’Neill died at age 62 in 2023 of a rare form of ocular melanoma cancer. He fought hard his last five years “to live his life to the fullest and to accept what he couldn't change,” his obituary on Colonial Chapel said.

He met his wife, Sharon, while he was delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service to her office. O’Neill left the post office and was a successful salesman in the paper industry, where he was loved by his colleagues and customers. Sean and Sharon originally opened their Doughs Guys Bakery , a play on the “dese-dems-don't” Chicago accent, in Chicago Ridge.

Most of all, O’Neill was a Chicago guy—rooting for his beloved Sox, Bears, Hawks and Bulls.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we thank you all in advance for the support and cooperation as we navigate this final season as a business.”