Jarosch Bakery Announces Merger, Will Remain In Elk Grove Village

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL — In a move to ensure it will "continue in the generations to come," the owners of Jarosch Bakery announced they have merged with a Chicago-based business. Owners Ken and Kathy Jarosch, along with Chris Kowal and Mariola Klimek, said in a Sunday social media post the business will remain at the corner of Arlington Heights and Higgins roads in Elk Grove Village.

Jarosch Bakery, established in 1959, is a family-run bakery specializing in cookies, cakes and doughnuts. The merger will be with Ideal Bakery, which has roots in Chicago going back to the 1930s.

"When the shopping center was sold, Ken and Kathy began to consider retirement and the future of the bakery," the social media post reads. "There is no 'cookie cutter' method to a mom-and-pop bakery succession. Many times, it’s a generational succession, as was the case when they joined his parents in 1989. However, their three children, of whom they are very proud, have their own passions and successful careers which they deserve to follow."

Jarosch Bakery dates back to 64 years of baking, with four generations of bakers originating in Germany.

Ideal Bakery is owned and operated by the Kowal and Klimek families. Chris Kowal will oversee the entire operation, with the support of Ken and Kathy Jarosch.

"They are a very tight-knit group who are young, eager, motivated, and innovative in the bakery world. They have an extraordinarily strong work ethic and core values," the post continues regarding the Ideal Bakery group.

Jarosch Bakery will transition into a new space, developed by Wingspan, in late 2025/early 2026, according to the post.

"Jarosch Bakery will continue building on its long history in Elk Grove Village. We appreciate all the customers who helped to establish that history and look forward to serving you and your families in the years to come," the post concludes.