How “Sweet” it is in Genoa

“Sweet” How

it is in Genoa

Those who have a sweet tooth and consider dessert worthy of being a meal in of itself, as well as those who just crave a little treat, do not have to travel to find a variety of sweet treats thanks to Genoa being the home of three unique bakeries.

By: Chris Walker

Latsis Bakery

John Latsis, who has worked in restaurants since 2007, initially ran his Latsis Bakery out of his home in Sycamore before opening up his current storefront location at 401 W. Main St. in Genoa in the summer of 2015. While the Latsis Bakery menu features a variety of pastries, donuts, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, cheesecakes and pies, they also serve some breakfast items, including fresh, organic coffee, build your own egg sandwiches, biscuits and gravy as well as paninis and potato bowls during lunch.

“When I first opened I was doing sandwiches and then that kind of faded but we’ve put the paninis back on the menu,” he said. “The diced potatoes are very popular. People like it when you put some new stuff on the menu.” Latsis Bakery is open six days a week. The doors open at 6 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday while they reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and remain open until 1 p.m. Latsis also makes wedding cakes and other specialty items.

Sweet-DeLights began as way for owner Melissa Freund to raise money to go on Mission trips where she could help others. That was in 2013. In the spring of 2022, Freund was in the process of opening her own store at 113A W. Main St. after operating online. “I just kept going with it and then quit my 9-to-5 job as a church secretary to do this full-time,” she said. “Life is throwing lemons at everybody these days so let’s celebrate by having a piece of cake.” Originally from a big community in California, Freund worked for 16 years in a Quad Cities Hyvee bakery before moving to the area in 2012. “I think the seed might’ve been super tiny, but it was planted that this was something I’d like to be doing,” she said. “Coming from a big community where I went to high school it was like life came to a screeching halt here. I love it that everybody knows everybody. I love this small town, which is growing too.” Sweet-DeLights promises to help keep the town sweet with her treats, which includes cake pops, cake balls, cupcakes, cakes, chocolate treats and more. Some can be found today at Open Door Coffee, 502 W. Main St., where select SweetDeLights items are on the menu.

Sugar On Top Bake Shop

Hardrocker Alice Cooper hasn’t visited the Sugar On Top Bake Shop, 316 Main St., but he loved the cake that was made for him. “He was doing a fundraiser that was supporting young musicians during the pandemic,” said Jennifer Drendel, owner of the Sugar On Top Bake Shop. “We presented a cake to him and it was auctioned off to benefit charity. We’ve done one for Korn the band and the band members found us on social media, which was surreal. We also did one for Rob Zombie and Sheri Moon and she wouldn’t let him cut it. The path this has taken me down is literally more than I could’ve dreamed of.” Speaking of dreams, many have imagined what they’re wedding day would be like, and Drendel thrives on being a part of a couple’s unforgettable, special day with divine wedding cakes whose beauty can only be outdone by deliciousness. “It’s a blessing to be a part of these occasions so I put a lot of attention into these bigger events and I have a soft spot for weddings in general,” she said. “In all special occasions really. I’ve been borderline obsessed with weddings so each cake order I take I almost treat it like it’s my own wedding cake. I want to talk to each couple to see what they envision, what they have their heart set on and make the best possible creation I can for them.” Drendel took a cake decorating class after high school before attending additional classes at Elgin Community College. After the “cupcake bill” was signed into law in 2015, which allow home kitchens in residences as long as they comply with state and county regulations, she began baking out of her home. She then moved into a little kitchen in Kirkland and then into her current storefront. “It grew quickly,” she said. “All those memories, every birthday is a big deal, graduations and religious ceremonies, those memories are made at those events with a cake on display. It’s not something that I take lightly. Dessert is a big deal.” And thankfully it’s something that’s not difficult to find locally in Genoa with three bakeries, each an expert in satisfying your sweet tooth as well as being the delicious co-star at your next celebration