Cooking up something unique at Special Kneads Bakery

Galva lost one of its staple eateries at the end of last year, as Jacobson’s Bakery closed after more than 80 years in business.

But the former home of Jacobson’s Bakery is laying the foundation for a new stop for desserts.

Special Kneads Bakery will continue to have the Swedish Rusk and their one twist on other traditional items customers have come to expect. 

But the bakery is also working to do something more.

Right now it’s more hammers and drills, rather than mixers and ovens inside Special Kneads Bakery as construction enters the final stage.

Frankie Cortes said, “I think it’s fantastic. I’m very ready for it.”

But this wasn’t part of the recipe a year ago Margaret Cortes.

Owner Margaret Cortes said, “Lost my job on January 5, [2018]. Also the year I was going to turn 50 years old.”

She decided to start from scratch.

Margaret said, “Wanting to stay close to home. We live here in Galva. We have four boys, Frankie being our youngest.”

So Margaret decided to replace what Galva recently lost as Jacobson’s Bakery entered retirement.

“I researched what do small towns need, and there were a lot of things that wouldn’t work her in Galva, but the one thing I kept coming back to was a bakery,” said Margaret.

She went to the Odd Fellows Lodge that owns the building and pitched her plan to move into the empty storefront.

Margaret said, “I told them I’d do the sweat equity and clean the place up, and you know keep a business going here.”

Since April, Margaret and her family has been hard at work and finalizing the menu.

Margaret “Breads and cookies and coffee cake and strudels, and oh, we’re going to make our own homemade pretzels.”

But it’s not just treats customers will find because behind the counter will be her 16-year-old son Frankie.

Frankie said, “I think it’s really good for me. I think a lot of people will enjoy seeing my smiling face.”
Margaret said, “Cerebral palsy, Dandy-Walker, he has vision issues, but he’s so capable.”

Part of Margaret’s vision is partnering with organizations like her son’s Life Skills Program at Geneseo High School to provide vocational training and even a job as the business grows.

By doing so, also breaking down stigma. 

Margaret said, “Even if you do have a disability, you have so many abilities.”

And Frankie is ready to start cooking.

Frankie said, “Thought my mom can’t do it all by herself.”

Margaret has also gotten donations of equipment from Rotary Club of Carol Stream and the Neighborhood Food Pantry of West Chicago. Other items came from local schools. 

Margaret said she also talked with her son’s teachers about her ideas and concept and got their blessings. 

The bakery plans to have its grand opening on November 24. That will fall on Small Business Saturday and the Ol’ Fashioned Christmas Celebration in Galva.

Margaret said if they get approval from the health department, they will hold a soft open.