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Gluten-Free Vegan Bakery, Mindful Baking, to Open Brick-and-Mortar in Chicago

This Ravenswood vegan bakery and cafe is coming to Northwest Chicago.

Mindful Baking
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Chicago

This Ravenswood vegan bakery and cafe is coming to Northwest Chicago.

Ravenswood vegan bakery and cafe, Mindful Baking, is set to open a brick-and-mortar in Portage Park by the end of the year. Specializing in gluten-free vegan baked goods, the bakery will soon bring inclusive treats to Northwest Chicago. Operating without a storefront, Mindful Baking treats are currently found at Chicago farmers markets, in local retailers, on DoorDash, and through virtual vegan stores such as Vegan Essentials. The vegan-friendly business will soon open a retail shop in the former Little Lulu’s Italian Ice on Montrose Avenue.

Mindful Baking’s Gluten-Free, Vegan Bakery in Chicago

A trained pastry chef, owner Diane Mejia launched Mindful Baking with the intention of offering great-tasting gluten-free baked goods. After being diagnosed with a severe gluten intolerance, Mejia opted to create pastries that she could enjoy herself. The gluten-free, vegan bakery now offers a variety of delicious, inclusive treats such as brownies, muffins, breads, donuts, and cupcakes. Mejia also offers savory eats, custom cake orders, and seasonal treats such as pies and even tiramisu cheesecake. The pastry chef uses ingredients like coconut sugar and psyllium husk to create better-for-you treats. And after years of testing, the team has perfected the moist, tender texture and fresh, indulgent taste that keeps customers coming back for more.

Mindful Baking’s Collaborations with Local Vegan-Friendly Businesses

As the storefront is set to open in the former Little Lulu’s Italian Ice shop, Mindful Baking will keep the popular frozen treats in Chicago by continuing to sell Italian ice. The bake shop will also offer coffee drinks using products from Evanston-local Reprise Coffee Roasters, because you’re going to need something to wash down your tasty confections. We love to see a collaboration between local vegan-friendly businesses.

Opening day is set for early December, but Mejia is asking for assistance from the community. The team will soon be launching a Kickstarter campaign to help the business get off the ground. If the retail space is well-received, Mejia may consider opening a second Mindful Baking location. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled as this bakery is set to open its doors at 5035 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 next month.

For more information, visit MindfulBaking.net.

Anja Grommons

Anja Grommons

she/her

During her studies to become a registered dietitian, Anja—a longtime vegetarian—transitioned to a vegan diet. Living in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the time (Go Broncos!), she met Maggie and Tammie through VegOut Kalamazoo (one of VegOut’s first focus cities) and began collaborating with the duo. When she’s not writing about new vegan eats, practicing as a pediatric clinical dietitian, and virtually coaching fellow plant-based eaters, you can find her creating veg-centric recipes, trying new cruelty-free products, and spending time with her partner Addison and cat Kovu.

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