The Chicago Bears kick off the 2025 Small Business All-Pros, presented by PNC, by spotlighting Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Café as the first of four small businesses to be promoted this season. From Sept. 8 to Oct. 4, Kneads & Wants will receive exclusive promotion of their business across Chicago Bears digital platforms, social media and in-stadium exposure at Soldier Field.
Located in downtown Skokie, Kneads & Wants is a family-owned bakery and café known for its scratch-made pastries, desserts and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Their menu features small-batch croissants, scones, cookies and seasonal specialties, along with made-to-order sandwiches.
"We are so excited to be recognized as the first winner and to be honored for our impact and offerings. This visibility will help us reach new customers, which means we can hire more staff and continue building creative programs like vocational training, youth employment and neighborhood-wide Thursday Night events," said Maria Kozi, owner & executive pastry chef at Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Café. "The All-Pro recognition affirms what we've always believed in - the value of perseverance, purpose and pastries - Chicago style. And September is when we celebrate our anniversary - what a perfect way to mark the occasion!"
Led by Kozi, the bakery also trains students with disabilities through the Bridges program and provides mentorship and first jobs to high schoolers from Niles West. The café donates leftovers daily to local shelters, community fridges and first responders, and give away hundreds of pies each Thanksgiving to local food pantries. Every Thursday night, Kneads & Wants leads a block-wide revitalization effort to bring foot traffic and energy back to Downtown Skokie.
"Small businesses are the economic engine of our neighborhoods. They create jobs, generate revenue and strengthen our communities by bringing unique products and services for our local consumers," said Scott Swanson, PNC regional president of Illinois. "As the official bank of the Bears, we're thrilled to see this program continue to deliver valuable resources and opportunities to help hard-working business owners like Maria Kozi continue to be innovative and give back in creative ways."
Kneads & Wants opened in 2019 and faced challenges early on that would have shuttered many similar small businesses. Instead, they continued with their business strategy and built a space which now anchors a recovering business district and serves as a hub for vocational training, youth employment and community care.
"We opened just months before the pandemic and because of the timing, we were ineligible for nearly all forms of relief funding," said Kozi. "Since then, we've had an amazing journey, but we can do more. This spotlight from the Chicago Bears will help elevate our story, boost business, and has the potential to draw vital attention to an overlooked community of small businesses striving for long-term sustainability."
The bakery also offers catering for weddings, showers, office events and community gatherings, with dessert tables featuring custom sweets like pot de crème, mini cheesecakes and key lime tarts. Additionally, they offer their signature Da Bears Claw, a walnut-honey pastry topped with vanilla glaze, during football season. The bakery team wears Chicago Bears gear every Sunday gameday and hosts themed Opening Day Party Packs for fans to unite and celebrate the start of a new season.
The bakery's selection as a 2025 Small Business All-Pros recipient reflects the Chicago Bears and PNC's commitment to uplifting businesses that demonstrate resilience, impact and deep community ties. Their story also highlights the importance of visibility for overlooked business districts.
To learn more about Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Café and explore their offerings and services, visit: kneadsandwantsbakery.com.
