Jarosch Bakery opened in Elk Grove Village in 1959, and has been a staple in the community ever since. In 2024, owners Ken and Kathy Jarosch sold to family-owned Ideal Bakery and still remain very involved with Jarosch’s in its new era. Ideal Bakery president Chris Kowall joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about the misconceptions that surround Jarosch’s today, the necessity of the new location (111 E. Higgins Rd. in Elk Grove Village) how they’ve kept all the same recipes, techniques and employees from before, and why you should ask for him or one of his family members when you visit.

Chris was also kind enough to bring some amazing treats from both Jarosch and Oak Mill bakeries for our WGN Radio staff to try.

• WGN Radio’s John Williams with Ideal Bakery/Jarosch President Chris Kowal, with a delicious display of sweets. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio 
• A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio 
• A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio 
• A beautiful and tasty spread of sweets from Jarosch’s and Oak Mill bakeries. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio 
• Jarosch Bakery has been “baking memories” since 1959. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio

Kevin and Michael also discussed the latest with Chicago Pizza Madness, which is currently underway on WGNRadio.com! Sponsored by Chicago Brick Oven – the finest U.S. made pizza ovens for your backyard.

Follow Ideal Bakery on Instagram, as well as Jarosch and Oak Mill Bakery.

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