- Credibility:
WICKER PARK — After four and a half years of driving freshly baked scones from Downers Grove to Wicker Park, Scone City is saying goodbye to the neighborhood.
The bakery will close its doors Oct. 13, the shop’s owner wrote in a Tuesday Facebook post.
Owner Jessica Canning could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday, but in a goodbye letter posted on the bakery’s website, Canning explained the challenge of working in a storefront that lacked its own kitchen.
Each morning, chef Laurie McNamara baked fresh batches of scones and pastries in Downers Grove. Those treats were then driven to Scone City, 1632 W. Division St. When the bakery ran out of an item during the day, it could not produce more.
“Unfortunately, without a kitchen on site, we are not able to accommodate our customers in real time with additional baked goods,” the team wrote in its letter.
According to the website, Scone City will continue to sell McNamara’s baked goods at Chicago farmers markets. The team is also looking at moving the bakery to another Chicago spot with a kitchen.
Canning and her husband, Tim Canning, are co-owners of Lemon Tree Grocer in Downers Grove.
Tim Canning bought the Wicker Park building in January 2014. Jessica Canning opened Scone City with McNamara in April 2015.
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According to the letter, Graze, a Chicago-based health-focused smoothie and breakfast bowl spot with locations in The Loop, River North and Lincoln Park, will move into Scone City’s old digs.
Canning thanked Wicker Park neighbors for their support over the years.
“Since day one, you have welcomed us to the neighborhood with open arms, smiles, and an appetite for the forgotten pastry — our beloved scone,” she wrote. “In the days since, you have loyally supported our independent shop, and in the process have become our friends. We have enjoyed every familiar hello as you head to the Blue Line, every chit chat at the counter, and we are ever grateful for your faith in us to cater your birthday parties, baby showers and weddings.”
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