Cook's Sweet Boutique

10/31/2022

My Nightmare on Chicago Street has officially come to an end. While not the most difficult thing I’ve ever lived through, it’s up there. It’s not been pretty the last few weeks (as I prefer things,) but it’s been REAL. After graduating with my MBA from the “business-school-of-hard-knocks,” I am so fortunate and grateful that my other company, Cook's Ice Cream, grew during the pandemic. I consider the closure of this store, not a failure, but a necessary ending in attempts to “simplify to multiply” for future growth during these post-pandemic, unprecedented times. Plus, I’m tired. And a bit traumatized…and I miss my family, friends, and kids that have all been a bit neglected over the last couple of years. I’ll never forget my wonderful customers at Cook’s Sweet Boutique and all the amazing staff and community members in the City of Elgin, Illinois - and in the Downtown Neighborhood Association. I’ve met so many families and friends, made memories that I will never forget, and fostered relationships that I hope will continue for many years to come. I have learned so many lessons and have grown so much, both personally and professionally. While this is stressful, emotional, exciting, exhausting, and scary, I have ALL the right people in my corner for the future. I hope to help other entrepreneurs in pursuit of their dreams, as I share what I have learned through my experiences. This isn’t sad. It’s not “goodbye” forever. It’s “see you next ice cream season!” And I have so much to do to come back stronger than ever! Thank you to everyone who came through this weekend. We had a bit of a snafu with some construction at the new place, so I wasn’t able to be there in person as I had intended, so I am sorry to have missed you. But I so appreciate the cookies, flowers, cards and visits from our patrons—all the LOVE. I am truly humbled! Thank you, Elgin! ❤️

10/28/2022

Get 50% off your Halloween treats! Come and say “goodbye” now through Sunday 11am-5 pm! Gifts, candy, books, games, decor, fixtures—all 50%. Our last weekend—Going out of business Sale!

10/06/2022

We would like to express a resounding "Thank you" to all of our supporters who have shared memories with us throughout our brief years in Downtown Elgin. We feel like we are going out on a high-note, having been nominated for several awards and having survived the pandemic with great reviews. We are proud of what we have accomplished.

The truth-of-the-matter is, the timing was wrong and the pandemic has created a new reality in terms of the retail market, to which mom-and-pop, small businesses cannot swiftly adapt. Micro-transactions of candy purchases and thin margins on goods require profits to be dependent on volume, and we just don't see a path forward in our current location.

By the grace of God, we were lucky to have been operating two businesses during this time, and one has become the more lucrative option for the future growth of our company. Blessed by our success in our mobile business, Cook's Ice Cream, has grown more than 60% per year since our inception in 2017 and we plan to increase our mobile offerings and add new trucks by next summer. By continuing our gourmet, custom, special-event dessert catering, we can continue to be a desirable addition to the most exclusive events for the most decerning companies and clients throughout the Chicagoland.

Please "LIKE" Cook's Ice Cream on Facebook to follow our journey. We will still have options available to add a unique touch to your special events in the months and years to come. Although you won't able to visit us, we would still welcome the opportunity to celebrate with you. We appreciate your patience as we prune our business to grow stronger and more fruitful in the future. As always, we will "stay sweet" and look forward to seeing all of you again in the future!
~THE COOK FAMILY
Jennifer, Jerry, Camryn and Jackson
& Our beloved staff-- Marie and Maryana

07/30/2022

We are on the west side of Elgin at Movies In the Park. Still time to catch Spider-Man.

07/02/2022

We are now OPEN for regular business hours! We are putting out some new candy and getting ready for the 4th of July! Be sure to check out our red, white and blue cotton candy cones and chocolate covered pretzels. Open today until 7pm and tomorrow until 5 pm. Thank you for all of the love and support from the community! ❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

06/30/2022

This just in! It was confirmed by the Elgin Police Department that a suspect is in custody today for the burglary last week. There was also another restaurant broken into last weekend down the street from us by the same man. This is the haul I am lugging back from the Southside to replenish the store. If you haven’t been in the shop before, stop in! We WILL be reopening for the 4th of July weekend starting tomorrow Friday, July 1st at noon and have lots of new products. We look forward to meeting all of our new followers in the shop soon! Thank you to all of our supporters, customers, friends and community partners, and especially the EPD! Goodness & sweetness always prevails and sometimes, Justice does, too! 🙏🏻❤️😋🍭👮🏽

06/25/2022

06/25/2022

Support Cook's Sweet Boutique's recovery with a special eGift Card for use in store or as a donation! Any amount will help us get on our feet, replenish damaged inventory, replace lost revenue and the cash that was stolen from us. We appreciate our customers and friends!

Order Cook's Sweet Boutique eGift Cards online and give the perfect gift. Send gift cards instantly to anyone. Powered by Square Gift Cards

06/23/2022

Cook’s Sweet Boutique will be closed until further notice. We were vandalized and burglarized last night and cannot have people in the store during the investigation. Please keep us in your thoughts.