SELECTED AS THE WINNING BUSINESS FOR GLANCER MAGAZINE'S BEST OF THE BEST AWARDS IN 2019
Remember the original Kenner Easy Bake Oven which used an ordinary incandescent light bulb as a heat source to cook your food? Many young bakers, including Marlene Zebleckis, began their careers experimenting with packaged pies baked independently with their own two-little-hands.
Marlene has always loved baking, and one of her favorite childhood memories is her Grandmother making Hershey's Cocoa Fudge when she was sick.
“It was the best fudge ever and it's not even made with marshmallow fluff,” she says.
Marlene’s love for baking never ceased and she eventually went to culinary school at Robert Morris University in Aurora; trained in Florence Italy; and was tutored by Italian pastry chefs before opening Sweet Temptations Dessert Company, LLC in her home in 2004. After building a solid customer base, business eventually outgrew her kitchen, so she rented out space in a church until she and her husband, Bill took the leap of faith and opened their Yorkville storefront on Veterans Parkway in 2014.
“We are a true from scratch bakery - eggs, butter, flour, sugar, real vanilla, etc.,” Marlene says. “We do not use any box mixes or ready to use buttercreams or fillings; no frozen cakes; cupcakes; cookies; or bars brought in from vendors; most of the items we make can't be found in other bakeries and we have an extensive menu that we change up seasonally.”
Marlene puts as much authenticity and integrity into her recipes and she does into her community by being an active member of the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce, supporting CASA Kendall county, mentoring high school students, and donating to area schools. She also provides tours of her shop and classes for scout troops and other local groups, and gains continued education as a member of the American Culinary Federation and Women Chefs and Restauranteurs. The Zebleckis family also enjoys frequenting other businesses in the Yorkville area and love Lakeview Grill, Mike and Denise's, Millhurst, Rowdy's, Crusade Burger, and Maciano's!
Sweet Temptations is a family business - Bill runs the retail portion, their grand-daughter Samantha is their lead decorator; their soon to be granddaughter in-law, Sarah is their baker and chocolatier; and Anna, who is just like family, is a baker/decorator. Marlene truly values the cohesive bond and endless memories that have been created working side by side with those she loves most.
Sweet Temptations of Yorkville was selected as our Best of the Best Grand Prize Winner from our complete list of nominated businesses in 2019. They have received an advertising package for 2020 and this feature article. Be sure to vote for your favorite businesses in 2020! Thank you for voting. www.glancermagazine.com/bestofthebest
