Artisan Bake Shop with a Social Mission
We exist to bring people together through authentic, good food as a way to catalyze urban revitalization, starting with the south side of Chicago.
As a full-service bakery, we make everything from breads to cakes, cookies, and pies. We specialize in unique flavors like our red velvet cheesecake brownie and our bourbon caramel thumbprint cookie.
The Three 'Laines: Chicago Natives Committed to Revitalizing the Neighborhood
'Laine is a family name. My grandfather is named Lane. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and often told me stories about how the region was a thriving epicenter of black culture and commerce.
My mom, Elaine, is named after him. She homeschooled me and taught me how to bake. She taught me fractions with a brownie recipe. People always joke that those lessons stuck because I grew up to be a baking accountant.
Then there's me (left), Rachel Elaine. I'm the third 'Laine in the family. The bake shop's name is an homage to my family.
'Laines Bake Shop has two nonprofit partners who help individuals who were previously homeless, incarcerated, or had substance abuse problems learn job skills. We often hire from the program after graduation. We also have a revenue sharing program set up with local nonprofits working to address the underlying issues of crime and violence in Chicago.
Our Progress So Far
Launched 'Laines Bake Shop
Partnered with first Whole Foods Market
Completed Good Food Business Accelerator
Finished 6-month program at the 1871 Accelerator in Chicago.
Partnered with first Starbucks
Began monthly pop up events
Events held at the future home of our first retail location.
Supplied to all 54 regional Whole Foods Market
Graduated from University of Chicago accelerator
Completed the Polsky Small Business Growth Accelerator.
Received City of Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grant
Accepted into Inner City Capital Connections
ICCC is an executive education and training program to promote economic prosperity in underserved communities.
Bakery and cafe opening
New production facility opening
Expand beyond Midwest region with Whole Foods
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