We Kneads and Wants Your Help Please
Donation protected
Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Café is a family-owned and operated business that fulfills a lifelong dream for Chef/Owner, Maria Kozi. After being laid off in 2017, Maria chose to pursue her passion for baking and went to pastry school. Last September, that dream was able to become reality when a space in downtown Skokie became available. With the help of her son (co-owner, Dylan), wife, and many family and friends, Kneads & Wants came to life.
Like most food businesses, the emergence of COVID-19, the mandatory closures, and the change to how we handle everyday business operations has impacted us in very big way. When the State of Illinois first announced mandatory shut downs, we had only been in business for about 6 months and did not have cash reserves in place to carry us through. We have been able to stay open due to the generosity of our landlord, local businesses, and friends and neighbors in the community. Moving forward, it is clear that the restaurant industry will look different with social distancing a reality for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, this was not something we ever considered when we opened our doors. Our space, particularly the configuration of our entrance and exit, does not adequately provide for social distancing requirements.
To better serve our community in a safe and efficient way, we are trying to gather the funds for facility improvements. Specifically, we would like to:
- install a walk-up window for ordering and pick up from the sidewalk
- replace building signage that was lost with the removal of the building awning
- Add a small awning over the pick up window
- Make interior improvements like new sneeze guards and register protection
Any funds donated with go directly to the expenses incurred for these projects.
There are not enough words for us to express how grateful we are for the community support we have already received. It goes without saying that we are so happy to be a part of Skokie, and a part of your lives.
Like most food businesses, the emergence of COVID-19, the mandatory closures, and the change to how we handle everyday business operations has impacted us in very big way. When the State of Illinois first announced mandatory shut downs, we had only been in business for about 6 months and did not have cash reserves in place to carry us through. We have been able to stay open due to the generosity of our landlord, local businesses, and friends and neighbors in the community. Moving forward, it is clear that the restaurant industry will look different with social distancing a reality for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, this was not something we ever considered when we opened our doors. Our space, particularly the configuration of our entrance and exit, does not adequately provide for social distancing requirements.
To better serve our community in a safe and efficient way, we are trying to gather the funds for facility improvements. Specifically, we would like to:
- install a walk-up window for ordering and pick up from the sidewalk
- replace building signage that was lost with the removal of the building awning
- Add a small awning over the pick up window
- Make interior improvements like new sneeze guards and register protection
Any funds donated with go directly to the expenses incurred for these projects.
There are not enough words for us to express how grateful we are for the community support we have already received. It goes without saying that we are so happy to be a part of Skokie, and a part of your lives.
Co-organizers (3)
Maria Kozi
Organizer
Skokie, IL
Dylan Kafizov
Team member
Madeleine England
Team member