Hahn's Bakery closing its storefront to start new chapter

Plus 1st Street Plaza sets opening date

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🥐 A new chapter for Hahn’s Bakery

Photo courtesy of facebook.com/HahnsBakery

For more than two decades, Hahn’s Bakery has been delighting locals with “old world” cakes and pastries baked in their charming storefront on Franklin Street in downtown Geneva.

That era — and that storefront will come to a close in January.

While this may mark the end for this particular shop, it’s not necessarily goodbye. In a 12/6 Facebook post, the Hahn family announced they’ll be moving operations to a large facility in January to “focus on our growing wholesale and online retail business that will allow us to share our delicious baked goods nationwide.”

Though they won’t (at least initially) have a retail storefront, they plan to remain active in the community by participating in local farmers markets and pop-up events.

For the many folks who frequent Hahn’s Bakery, it’s a bittersweet moment — happy to see a fast-growing local business take the next step in its journey, but sad to see a beloved shop shut its doors.

It’s not immediately clear what’s next for the storefront itself.

📰 News to use

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Rendering courtesy of stcharlesil.gov

☑️ 1st Street Plaza: A date for the long-awaited Grand Opening of 1st Street Plaza in St. Charles has been set — January 24 at 6PM. Be there and dress warm.

☑️ Public health: Fill out Kane County’s annual, anonymous survey to help local hospitals and community organizations improve health, quality of life and availability of services in our area.

☑️ Public accountability: Ever witnessed a public official doing something you suspect is illegal? The Illinois State Police now allow citizens to directly report suspected corruption with a new online form.

🔒 Public Safe-T: At a proposed cost of nearly $3M, a St. Charles committee has recommended approval for special cameras, tasers and a newly constructed police training facility.

🔒 Upstart challengers: As local election season heats up, here are some Kane County primary races to keep an eye on.

☑️ State symbol: The official release of Illinois' special monarch butterfly license plate makes good on an old promise and supports a quality charity.

☑️ Money matters: State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently launched the Illinois Financial Wellness Hub to give residents free resources for building a financially secure future.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Year in review: The City of St. Charles recently shared its list of 2023 accomplishments, including several development and infrastructure projects and a focus on workplace diversity.

☑️ CARES program: A new voluntary assistance initiative in St. Charles will help officials identify residents who need a specialized response due to a physical, emotional or mental health disability.

☑️ Get outdoorsy: Combat winter monotony by learning to snowshoe at one of three sessions this winter (December, January, February) courtesy of the Kane County Forest Preserve.

☑️ A warm welcome: Officers lined the street to welcome home Kane County Sheriff's Detective Brian Anderson, who was seriously hurt in a crash on 10/23.

☑️ Local power couple: Dave and Marge Brown, who will be honored as Batavia’s “Citizens of the Year” in April,” have poured themselves into improving their town and helping its residents.

🏦 Local biz

☑️ A new cohort: The Batavia Boardwalk Shops are seeking businesses interested in occupying one of their tiny storefronts during its fifth season starting in May 2024. Applications are due by 1/31.

☑️ Happy birthday: Batavia’s Sidecar Supper Club celebrated its eighth anniversary on Friday, when they reflected on a journey filled with gratitude in a message to their community.

🎈 Special events

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🎟️ Tonight | Small Biz Cash Blitz: A fun night of drinks and raffles at Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia combined with a chance to directly support community businesses? Sign us up.

☑️ Mon-Tues | Batavia Creamery Fundraiser Days: Mention Batavia Mothers’ Club to get 20% off ice cream, cakes and gift certificates while supporting a great cause.

🎟️ Wednesday | Holiday Move Night: Grab the family and catch a special showing of The Holiday Express at Playhouse 38 in Geneva, complete with hot chocolate, snacks and adult bevs for grown-ups.

🎸 Live music

Matt Kopecky plays at Preservation on Wednesday evening.

This week’s live music lineup covers today (12/11) through Thursday (12/14).

On tap for this week:

  • Sidecar Supper Club will host Magoo for acoustic tunes during a special cheese and beer pairing party on Wednesday night.

  • Matt Keen will be jamming at Flagship on the Fox beginning at 4PM on Thursday.

🌔 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 38F | Low 27F | Nice start to the week

🌤️ Tuesday: High 39F | Low 20F | Another nice one

☀️ Wednesday: High 38F | Low 20F | More sunny skies

☀️ Thursday: High 45F | Low 28F | Beautiful winter day

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📖 Thanks for reading

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