Holcomb Hollow bakery expands in Mundelein

Holcomb Hollow, the first dedicated vegan and gluten free bakery in Lake County, has expanded to a larger facility in Mundelein where it will continue to produce its signature muffins, biscotti and other foods for distribution to coffee shops, high schools, health food stores and restaurants.

Holcomb Hollow will operate at 1059 E. High St. in Mundelein.

"We are very excited to be moving to a new location that is all ours," says Owner Melissa Norton. "This move enables us to expand our product offerings and their availability for vegans and those who suffer from celiac, gluten intolerance, dairy or egg allergies, and other diet-limiting conditions."

After 4 years of renting space from another local bakery, the move into a 1,600 square foot former warehouse turned commercial bakery is a big step for the small company. In addition to having a weekend factory outlet store and hosting doughnut making parties, Holcomb Hollow plans to open the kitchen to select renters who will create their own food products for farmers markets or retail sale.

"Having access to a commercial kitchen is often the hurdle that many small food entrepreneurs have the most trouble with," Norton explained. This is an opportunity for those entrepreneurs to be able to produce and sell products on a smaller scale with little overhead."

"We are very proud that Holcomb Hollow has selected Mundelein to launch their business several years ago and now to expand its successful operation. Mundelein is well-known for its commitment to entrepreneurs and for promoting the entrepreneurial spirit. On behalf of the Clerk and board of trustees, we wish Melissa continued success," said Mayor Steve Lentz.

Founded in 2013, Holcomb Hollow started in Norton's kitchen using the Cottage Food Law to produce baked goods and jam for farmers markets. Holcomb Hollow now supplies over a dozen locations with baked goods that are dairy-, gluten- and egg-free.