ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rochelle are pleased to announce the grand opening of Sunshine Bakery at 346 May Mart Drive, located inside Central Bank Illinois.
The newly-remodeled space features a café menu of cookies, cupcakes, artisan breads, custom-designed cakes and desserts, fresh salads, soups, and a host of handcrafted candles and wooden gifts. An offering of locally-blended JavaMania Coffees and beverages will be featured daily.  Custom orders are available.
Sunshine Bakery will host a grand opening on Saturday, April 28 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. with samples, giveaways, and $1 cupcakes. The community is invited to stop in and meet Samantha and her amazing team who are committed to the highest level of customer service and quality ingredients.  
Over the years, owner Samantha Barkus has watched her business grow too big for the space in her home.  
“Chris and I are so grateful for the opportunity to invest in our own community, create treats that help others celebrate their special occasions, and open a storefront that also offers healthy lunch options, a full beverage menu, and on-hand treats,” said Barkus. “This is all possible because of the support and warm welcome of our family, friends, customers, chamber, city, and local businesses and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Barkus also serves on the city’s commercial and retail advisory board.

Barkus is pleased with support received from the Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley College.
“Behind every small business, there’s a story worth knowing. Sunshine Bakery has been a dream of Samantha’s for a long time and it is wonderful to see her passion and hard work coming to life,” Emily Zimmerman, SBDC Specialist said. “The SBDC is here to support Sunshine Bakery in any way that we can going forward and we cannot wait to stop in for a sweet treat.”
“A stand-alone scratch-bakery has been on the community’s wish-list for some time,” said Peggy Friday, Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Executive Director/CEO.  “The space is elegant and inviting. The scented soy candles for purchase are a great way to take the bakery smells home.”
A chamber ribbon cutting and community event is being planned to officially welcome the new retail business.
Sunshine Bakery is proud to partner with a number of local contractors, vendors and businesses including Mighty Vine, Brite Farms, Lifeworks Photography Studio, Java Mania Coffee Roastery, The Cypress House, Magpie Custom Jewelry Bar, and My Breit Ideas. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information visit sunshinebakery.org or call 815-561-6001 for custom orders.