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My Story

Founded by professional baker and pastry artist Emma Hicks, and beginning as a small baked goods stand on the side of the road in rural, upstate Illinois, Sweet & Savory Sustenance has experienced rapid growth and continues to draw more and more enthusiasts, all hungry for another bite of our signature experience, served hot and fresh from passionate hands to hungry hearts!

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Hey there, I'm Emma

“That girl was born with batter for blood!” I’ve chosen to view this statement as a compliment, rather than a declaration of concern for my arterial health. Nevertheless, I can’t deny that the joy of baking, and the ability to serve up that joy to others in the form of something memorably delicious, are truly and so deeply embedded into my very being that my heart might as well be pumping batter! I find a real thrill in experimenting with ingredients and inventing new and wonderful creations that bring smiles to the faces of my customers and send them eagerly back for more! (My husband and children also love serving as my volunteer taste testers!) And with only the best ingredients—like European butter, homemade jam, carefully crafted sourdough starter, and absolutely no chemical dyes or anything artificial—I am proud to produce baked goods that taste as real as they are and offer something flavorful and of the highest quality in a time saturated with cheap, fast-food-like options. I am indeed living my childhood and life-long dream, and I am so thankful to be able to share my passion with you in a way that will make your life a little sweeter and your days all the more savory!

~The Meaning behind the name ~

The core of “Sustenance” signifies those things that are sustaining, and at Sweet & Savory Sustenance we understand that the vitality of life is maintained through more than just satisfying hunger—we believe in the bolstering and enriching power of the experience, as well! From sinking your teeth into a soft and warm brioche sweet roll as the scent of cinnamon fills your nose, to the melting of a flaky Parisian croissant as its buttery essence washes over your tongue, it is our deepest joy to share with you a truly sensorily stimulating experience, using only the finest ingredients to whisk you away on an unforgettable, flavor-filled journey!

~Where it all began~

 

I have loved baking for as long as I can remember. I started as a three-year-old helping my siblings make pancakes for breakfast. It has always been a joy for me to bake for my family throughout the years but it wasn't until I got married that I was able to experiment and test new flavors and ideas. Since then, things have gone wild. The list continues to grow from raspberry white chocolate croissants to eggnog sweet rolls. I started in April of 2024 making my goods and selling them from a tent in my front yard. As we have been growing in popularity we have been able to build a small cottage to keep going through the winter. We are looking forward to moving into a commercial space to expand our scope even further. 

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

(815) 382-7803

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We reserve the right to refuse service at anytime.

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