Balkan Bakery - Where tradition intertwines with taste, crafting delightful pastries and treats, one bite at a time. Order Here Now
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All About Us
For ages around the world, Balkan cuisine has been well known for being one of the most fascinating and appetizing. From Belgrade to Chicago and beyond, Balkan cuisine is familiar to all ethnicities.
Since 2007, Balkan Bakery has been bringing distinctive tastes to the neighborhood of La Grange, Illinois. Since then, it has become a favorite destination for many. Balkan Bakery prides itself in making the finest made from scratch confections, using the most premium ingredients. Inspired by the traditional classics and modern confections from the Balkans, our pastries are delicious, decadent, and beautiful.
Apart from a wide array of confections, you can find many sought-after Balkan cuisines in our space. From our famous burek, to crepes, croissants, pantry items and deli selections, there truly is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a tasty hot breakfast, coffee & cake with a friend, or a great gift for your next dinner party, Balkan Bakery has it all.
Balkan Bakery strives to elevate all of life’s celebrations year round. From Slava’s to weddings, christenings, holidays and beyond, Balkan Bakery prides itself in catering your next precious moment.
Today
With a fresh perspective and an ambitious vision, Marija embarked on a journey of expansion, transforming the bakery into a multi-faceted establishment.
Under Marija's leadership, the bakery has evolved into a comprehensive culinary and social destination. In addition to its delightful selection of baked goods, Marija introduced an enticing range of offerings, including an extensive collection of wines and spirits, party supplies, and a delightful assortment of crepes, fresh juices and gelato.
From an expanded offering of not only vegan options, but Eastern European specialty imports, one can be sure to find it all and more at Balkan Bakery. Visiting our location today, one can expect to cure their nostalgia from back home, get a dose of Balkan hospitality, culture and tradition.
Marija Pejkovic in 2020
From 2007-Fast forward to 2020, the family tradition carries on. Watching the bakery open, grow and build momentum from day 1, Marija made a significant decision to take over the family business when her mother-in-law Olja was ready for a well-deserved retirement.
Wanting to keep the business in the family, Marija saw this as an opportunity and challenge. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of their enterprise and brought about various changes and opportunities for the family.
Marija's choice to take over the family business wasn't made lightly. With her unique skills and perspectives, she added a new dimension to the business's operations and growth potential.
Born in Paracin, Serbia, Marija is the 4th generation in her family to reside in America. Moving to the States at the young age of 3, Marija spent the majority of her life in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. Finishing a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business at Columbia Chicago, she would have never thought her passion for Serbian culture would coincide with her degree in Business.
In 2007, Olja fulfilled her dream of opening her own bakery in the United States, aiming to introduce the flavors of her homeland, Serbia, to a new audience. Without Olja’s passion and experience, Balkan Bakery would not be what it is today. Her bakery quickly became a destination for traditional Balkan cuisine, offering a tempting selection of cakes and specialty dishes such as Burek and pies. These delectable offerings allowed patrons to savor the unique and authentic tastes of Eastern Europe.
Olja's commitment to using genuine recipes and high-quality ingredients ensured an unforgettable dining experience for her growing and diverse clientele. Through her bakery, she not only brought a taste of Serbia to Illinois but also encouraged a deeper appreciation of Balkan cuisine in the heart of the United States.
Balkan Bakery
Olja Igic
With 35 years of industry experience under her belt, Olja Igic founded Balkan Bakery in 2007 with her son Pedja Igic. Born and raised in Kosovo, Serbia, Olja embarked in her journey to American to support her children back home.
Arriving with just one small suitcase and her famous black book of recipes, she didn’t have a clue what would become of her passion. Her journey was marked by remarkable courage, as she not only left her children behind in a war-torn country, but also sought opportunities in America to secure a livelihood and better life for them all.
With lots of hard work and determination, she founded and spent 13 years creating the main steppingstone for what Balkan Bakery is known for today.
