Petite cheesecakes highlight at Dessertz

The concept for a new Glen Ellyn bakery started in Linda Treadway's kitchen during a winter about nine years ago.

Treadway enjoyed baking as a hobby and sold cheesecakes from her Schaumburg home while working as a corporate trainer. As the baking business continued to blossom, Treadway turned her hobby into a full-time business, leaving the business world behind. The avid cook launched Dessertz about three months ago at 546 Crescent Blvd. in downtown Glen Ellyn. The shop features custom, made-to-order desserts for all occasions.

Petite cheesecakes have become a specialty dessert at the new shop located near the train station. The small cupcake-sized cheesecakes come in an array of flavors with cherry vanilla and chocolate chip as the favorites. The mini cheesecakes sell for $2.50 each.

Cookies, bars, personalized cakes and tarts are other highlights at the new shop. The owner says she only uses real butter and quality ingredients in her baked goods. "I make all my own frostings," she added.

Treadway said it was time to grow the business as her home kitchen no longer was big enough. "I wanted to expand to larger venues, including bridal showers and sweet tables for weddings. I decided it was time to take the leap," said Treadway, 61. "It's exhilarating."

The entrepreneur explained that she has been baking all her life.

"I've been doing full-size cheesecakes for 20 years," she said. The baker has early memories of making Italian fried cookies that she would dip in chocolate when she was a young girl.

She said the business was busier over the holidays than she expected. Now that things have slowed down, she is adding new aspects including cookie and cupcake decorating events for children and small birthday party groups.

"We've been getting a really good response for this from moms," she said.

She stressed that the custom aspect is what differentiates her business. "We can bake just about anything," she said.

The business is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Hours will be added in the spring as well as outdoor tables. For more, call (630) 229-8175 or check out lindatscheesecakes.com.

• Kim Mikus covers small business. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.