Steve's Bakery: Will Route 59 Business Stay Closed Forever?

SHOREWOOD, IL — In 2019, Shorewood residents were thrilled to learn that a long-time bakery with stores in Streator and Ottawa was opening on Route 59 near the Holy Family Catholic Church. Now, there's a dark cloud of uncertainty hovering over Steve's Bakery.

Steve's Bakery opened for business in Shorewood on July 23, 2019. It's remained closed the entire month of February. Prior to opening in Shorewood, Steve's Bakery tried to run a third bakery on West Veterans Parkway in Yorkville.

The Yorkville location didn't make it, and was permanently closed. The original Steve's Bakery opened during the mid-1980s in Streator. The family's second long-time location is in Ottawa.

"Steve's Bakery has remained a local favorite in Streator, Illinois, since Steve Elleson opened its doors in August, 1984," according to the bakery's website. "Steve has been donning that white apron coated in flour since he was a 7-year-old working at his father's bakery."

Steve's Bakery has not posted an update about the future of the Shorewood bakery for more than two weeks on its Facebook site. The Steve's Bakery website still lists the Shorewood bakery as being open, even though it's been closed all of February.

On Saturday, Joliet Patch's editor visited the property along Route 59 at 570 Brookforest Ave. and found an empty parking lot.

There is no sign on the storefront letting people know Shorewood's Steve's Bakery remains closed, temporarily or permanently.

There are two signs on the main door: one reading Help Wanted!! Apply within or on Facebook. The other sign reads Steve's Bakery Shorewood phone number 815-630-4565.

Day after day, Joliet area residents take to Brian Bessler's Joliet Area Bar & Restaurant Guide inquiring what's happened to Steve's Bakery in Shorewood?

"Is Steve’s bakery in Sherwood (out of) business what’s going on and do they have another location, just asking could use some donuts," Josh posted on Saturday.

In addition to Josh, Karen posted her own question in Bessler's Facebook group on Saturday.

"Anyone know what's going on with Steve's Bakery. The last three times I've stopped by, they have been closed. I know they are normally closed Mon and Tues but they've been closed the last two weekends."

Here's a sampling of responses they received:

"They are closed."

"Every time I tried to go there it was slim pickings."

"Someone said on this page that there’s a sign up saying closed until further notice but that was a week ago not sure if they have re-open or not?"

"I haven’t been there in a while but I keep hearing about they are never open during posted hours. It’s a shame because they have really good brownies and donuts."

"They’re my favorite donuts anywhere. I really hope they open back up. I lived a block from their Ottawa location and was grateful they opened up here after we moved."

"GO TO HOME CUT OR DONUT DEN FOR AWESOME DONUTS."

"Just get in your car head West to Ottawa if you desperately need Steve’s Bakery. Many better to choose from locally."

"They are limited with their staff and someone got sick, so I heard."

"They posted they are closed due to staff shortage."

"Last week the main location told me the Shorewood had heater issues."

"They are closed because of staffing issues and mechanical issues is what their Facebook says for Shorewood."

"Ottawa Location is open. The Shorewood location is having issues with Heat."

"You generally don’t close for weeks because of a 'issue with heat.'"

"Exactly, not at the price of storefront rent these days."

Original Patch story: Steve's Bakery Opens On Route 59 In Shorewood