From cherished childhood memories to leading an iconic Chicago bakery, Stephanie Hart of Brown Sugar Bakery shares her journey of preserving traditions, fostering community, and expanding her sweet empire with creativity and resilience (Photo Credit: @brownsugarbakeries/Instagram).
My fondest memories of growing up on the South Side of Chicago are connected to the kitchen, where I’d watch my Grandma Rosetta and my Great Aunt Jean bake sweet potato pies, cakes, banana pudding and cheesecakes to put in the refrigerator. They would often let me help, as I would stay close by, ready to assist or be their taste tester for the moment.
Recently, during a tour of Brown Sugar Bakery, seeing Miss Stephanie Hart’s stunning cakes and desserts brought those memories back to me with the joy of being a little girl in my grandma’s and my great aunt’s kitchen, surrounded by love and waiting to savor the delicious results at family dinners.
Brown Sugar Bakery has been active each season, including the holiday rush, with Hart leading the way, achieving milestones and launching new ventures. She recently shared her journey and provided updates while discussing the bakery’s growth and ongoing success.
New Ventures
Brown Sugar Bakery has recently opened two new locations, one at O’Hare airport with Veteran Roasters and one inside a local coffee shop at 161 North Clark. “The airport location is a great long-term opportunity, though working through a distributor is a new experience for us. It’s been a valuable learning process,” said Hart.
The 161 North Clark location is a unique partnership where the coffee shop features Brown Sugar Bakery’s baked goods. Hart said, “We’ve also expanded into including breakfast sandwiches, and we handle everything for the coffee shop and deliver fresh products every morning.”
She outlined three key initiatives to elevate the Brown Sugar Bakery brand. First, the bakery will focus on festive options for events such as Valentine’s Day, including chocolate-covered strawberries and roses and celebratory cakes.
Photo Credit: @brownsugarbakeries/Instagram
These offerings will be available in-store, online and by pick-up or delivery, making it easier for customers to celebrate special occasions. Additionally, Brown Sugar Bakery is expanding its shipping to bring its desserts to customers nationwide.
Treats and Desserts
Photo Credit: @brownsugarbakeries/Instagram
The “Obama Cake” is a signature creation of four fresh-baked, moist, and buttery layers of yellow cake, dark chocolate cake and red velvet cake. It is also a symbol of success as it is still a valuable option and thrives in order fulfillment.
“The Obama Cake is our best seller thanks to my James Beard Foundation nomination,” said Hart, who also takes pride in her caramel cakes, which remained a top seller after 22 years. She also added, “Caramel cakes are no joke. They require precision and care every time. Even after all these years, it’s still a project, but we kept the quality consistent, and I’m proud of that.”
While staying connected to the local community, Brown Sugar Bakery was well represented at the recent 2024 James Beard Foundation Chef Awards in Chicago, where staff prepared desserts for the Capital One Lounge.
Cherished Memory
Established in 2002, the Brown Sugar Bakery has become a beloved institution, but its roots are traced to Hart’s earliest and most treasured memories. When asked about a recipe that defines the essence of her bakery, she shared a recollection tied to a neighbor’s pound cake dessert that left a lasting impression on her childhood.
“My earliest memory has to be my neighbor’s pound cake. I remember being with my grandmother at the block club party when I was a young girl, which was a big deal back then. At this specific party, there was a pound cake with something hidden in the center, and if you guessed what was in the middle, you would win the cake. My grandmother knew how much I loved that pound cake, so she leaned over and whispered the answer: a spool of thread. I raised my hand and said the answer, and I won the cake.”
Reflecting on her journey, Hart shared how cakes have always been intertwined with meaningful moments, particularly those with her grandmother.
“When my grandmother passed away, my love for cakes deepened; cakes were essential to our holiday traditions. We got cakes as gifts, and we got to pick what Christmas cake or birthday cake we wanted. My favorites were always pineapple coconut and double chocolate.”
Another memory that stands out for her is a legendary “Red Velvet Cake” made by her grandmother’s friend.
“That cake was iconic, but we didn’t even get a slice until we were old enough. I think I was 14 before I finally got a taste,” she laughed, recalling how the adults guarded that cake in the back room. “We kids got the store-bought cakes like 7UP Bundt cakes, but the red velvet was strictly for the adults; it was special.”
Community Engagement
Brown Sugar Bakery also contributes to the community. Hart highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for growth and development.
“I’m always looking for new team members, especially within the community,” she said. I’m not focused on someone’s past; I look for people ready to work hard and grow right now.”
Over the years, she has seen many individuals start from entry-level roles, such as cleaning positions, and work their way up to becoming key contributors within the bakery.
“I’ve seen high school kids grow into homeowners, which makes me proud. I want to help give other opportunities I had. If they’re willing to put in the effort, I’m here to help them succeed,” she said.
Hart collaborates with local businesses, including Veteran Roasters, Greater Chatham Initiative, Soul Delivery, the Art Institute of Chicago and more. She expressed her enthusiasm for the Art Institute’s role in fostering community engagement, particularly with their latest exhibition, which runs until March 30, called “Project A Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Pan Africa.
“I hope people from our community take the opportunity to see this art and connect with it; it’s important,” she said, underscoring the power of art to bridge cultural narratives and inspire local connections.
The Future Vision of Brown Sugar Bakery
Hart described the fresh customer-focused workflow at the bakery.
“If a customer sees us baking, they can grab something fresh, no problem. She added, “People get so excited sometimes they’ll tap on the window; that’s how it broke recently and is getting repaired as we speak. They just can’t resist saying, ‘That’s my cake, it’s all love, though.’”
During my visit, Hart gave me treats and a slice of her famed sweet potato cheesecake slice to take home.
Photo Credit: @brownsugarbakeries/Instagram
Preserving traditions, she expressed the importance of staying true to her roots and honoring her grandmother’s legacy. By blending tradition with creativity, she has introduced new flavors and creations with a twist.
“I love preserving the essence of old-school recipes while giving them a little variation,” she shared.
Hart sees baking as a craft requiring precision, patience and consistency, skills we apply to life.
“Getting so good at something that you can command the ingredients that’s creativity,” she said.
With compliments, there are also critiques, such as, “I’ve heard it all; some people will tell me my grandma makes better cake, and I say, ‘Well, mine is ready. Do you want a cake?’ Mines are ready.”
Hart exemplifies resilience and readiness by reflecting on her philosophy, staying prepared and focused and delivering confidently through every challenge. Resilience and readiness: her motto, “It’s Ready,” highlights her commitment to meeting every order and overcoming obstacles with grace and determination
She also has a word of perseverance and humility for aspiring Black women entrepreneurs:
“Elbow grease, discipline, and hard work pay off not overnight, and sometimes you have to turn the ego off and get the job done.”
Hart and her team at the Brown Sugar Bakery will continue to build a legacy of excellence, growth and community engagement. Under her leadership, the bakery has thrived, boasting a reputation for its delicious treats and strong ties to the community. This success reflects their core values, tradition, connection and celebration.
Said Hart, “That’s what we’re all about: bringing joy to every bite.”
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