Eli's Cheesecake expands Chicago facility, boosting jobs and sweet treats

CHICAGO - For 43 years, Eli's Cheesecake has been one of Chicago's favorite treats. Now, a major expansion of their Northwest Side bakery will help put the delicious desserts on store shelves across America.

There was a big cheer as they cut the ribbon—rather cheesecake—and dedicated a huge new expansion of the bakery Tuesday afternoon.

"I think of my parents, my dad Eli, his 50 years in the restaurant business and that first Taste of Chicago in 1980," said Marc Schulman, whose father Eli created the namesake cheesecake for his Chicago steakhouse 43 years ago.

But not long after it debuted at the first Taste of Chicago, the cheesecake became the family's fortune. And the rest is cheesecake history.

"We look forward to just keep on building that business," Schulman said. "Now we're a third generation business. Very focused on quality, customer service, all the values that my dad gave me."

And to grow the business, they're growing their building. The dedication ceremony Tuesday marks a 42,000 square-foot expansion, nearly doubling the size of their current bakery.

On hand to celebrate were the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, the Jesse White Tumblers, and political and business leaders including Governor JB Pritzker.

"I should point out by the way, I feel I have contributed to your success," Pritzker told the crowd.

Over the years, Eli's has become known not just for its desserts, but also for their support of Chicago's refugee community.

Elias Kasongo started as a dishwasher at Eli's 29 years ago after fleeing Congo. He worked his way through college and is now the company's vice president of procurement.

"Eli's cheesecake became my home," said Kasongo. "It was not just a workplace. It became my family."

And with the bakery's expansion, that family will also grow, adding at least 50 new employees to the 275 already here within the next year. A sweet story of success.