The Lovin Oven Cakery, widely known for its outstanding pastries and cakes, opened a new location in downtown Antioch. Located at 455 Lake St. Antioch, IL, the cakery owned by Ken and Betty Slove opened its newest location in January of 2018. The cakery franchise was founded in 1930, by John Slove, originally named Slove Bakery, on Diversey Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.

The new cakery fills the 43,000 square foot building that used to be home to Hannah’s Home Accents, making it the largest of the three Lovin Oven Cakery locations with the original cakery only being 1,200 square feet. Nayla Loos, the granddaughter of Ken and Betty, believes the new Antioch location is a big step for the business.

“The Antioch location will expand the business dramatically,” Loos said.  “It will provide more opportunities for the business to thrive.”

It features cafe seating for 100 people, two party and meeting rooms along with a bridal suite for previewing wedding cakes and products. Sophomore Kara Brooks is an employee that has been working at the cakery for five months.

“I worked at the Round Lake location for about a month and a half and when the Antioch location opened, I started working there,” Brooks said. “I would describe the atmosphere as breathtaking. The new Antioch location is so much bigger than the other two locations. There is free WiFi available, everyone is friendly and you’re surrounded by amazing snacks.”

The cakery has a wide variety of different treats such as pastries, cakes, breads, cupcakes and small lunch foods.

“I wouldn’t compare the sweets at Lovin Oven to any other place because I’ve never had sweets that taste as good and fresh as the ones at Lovin Oven,” Brooks said.

The cakery caters to many people with new treats and designs, as well as providing an open family friendly atmosphere. Many people regularly go there for breakfast before school or work, or during their lunch breaks.

“I think it is worth it to at least visit the cakery and try something; everyone I have met while working there has a special favorite product,” Brooks said. ”There’s always something new, crazy, cool and totally customized by the customer being made.”

Every season and holiday, there are always new cupcakes and cake designs. Some customer favorites include lamb cakes for Easter and kings cake for Mardi Gras. There is always at least one customer in the store. On the weekends, it is very crowded and busy all day long.

With the new addition of The Lovin Oven cakery to Antioch, it brings the opportunity for people not only to support a local business, but to relax and have family time while enjoying a sweet treat.