January 20, 2025
Business

Latsis Bakery makes the move to Genoa

By ANDREA AZZO

Latsis Bakery owner John Latsis moves a sheet of cupcakes from the shelves to the store's glass case for customers to purchase. The family-owned bakery at 401 W. Main St. in Genoa opened Friday. (Andrea Azzo)

GENOA – Nicole and John Latsis have officially moved their bakery business from the basement of their Sycamore home to downtown Genoa.

Latsis Bakery, 401 W. Main St., Genoa, opened Friday after plans to open earlier this year were halted because of plumbing additions and updating the building.

"It's amazing," said Nicole Latsis, John's wife and cake decorator. "He's been waiting for a kitchen like this forever."

The bakery, located at the former Cash4Gold store, sells pastry treats as well as sandwiches, salads and oatmeal. They make cakes for all occasions, including weddings, baby showers and quinceaneras.

The business started about six years ago in the couple's Sycamore home after friends and family promoted it through word of mouth.

"I really enjoy what I'm doing," John Latsis said. "I have a lot of passion for it."

Customers can order baked goods in person, by email at orders@latsisbakery.com or online at www.facebook.com/latsisbakery. They also now can order a single cupcake. Previously, they had to buy them by the dozen.

"This way, people can stop by, pick it up and enjoy it," Nicole Latsis said.

The bakery uses fondant icing for its specialty cakes and cupcakes. Commonly mentioned in TLC's "Cake Boss," fondant is used to make pastry treats stand out.

"We have amazing cakes you can't find anywhere else," Nicole Latsis said. "Other bakeries don't even attempt the things we do."

Nicole Latsis, who has worked in restaurants and in customer service in the past, said her favorite cake whe's worked on was a "The Walking Dead" themed cake with green zombie hands clawing their way out of the middle of the cake. A picture of that cake is on display at the shop.

About five family employees will help man the store on a daily basis.

Even though the business is now moved and open, John Latsis knows there's still a lot of work to do.

"The bulk of the work is still ahead," he said.

He'll also need to get used to the fact he has to drive to work now rather than taking a short trip down the stairs.

"Now it's like, all right. I've got to be here," he said.

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