Livin’ the dream: La Croûte Bakery Café

Anna Pipitone was literally born into the food world, learning all aspects of running a restaurant.

Livin’ the dream: La Croûte Bakery Café
The ovens at La Croûte French Bakery in Rockton will fire up on Thursday, October 17, 2024. After lots of planning and hard work, Anna Pipitone will host the grand opening of the cafe beginning at 7:00 am, fulfilling a life-long dream.

Anna Pipitone was literally born into the food service business. She learned the art of creating and presenting great food at her parent’s knees. Her mother and father are Tony and Maria Pipitone, owners of Sam's Pizza Restaurant restaurant in Rockton, Illinois, and Pino’s Pizza in Rockford, Illinois. Anna’s brother, Alberto, is the owner of Fib's Restaurant and Al’s Main Street Tap, in Rockton.

Anna grew up in the food world and worked in the family business. learning all aspects of running a restaurant. At an early age, she set her cap on one day owning her own business.

During her years as a student at Hononegah Community High School, one of her favorite classes was “Foods around the World.”

Anna was also enrolled in the school’s Incubator Program, taught by Jason Brunke, coordinator of Career and Technical Education at the school. The entrepreneur program focuses on learning how to create a new business. Brunke and a group of area business owners mentor and coach the students, teaching them the necessary skills, such as marketing, finance and economics to become business owners.

Anna said she learned a lot from the class. While still in high school, she developed Simply Sweet, a confectionary business that featured homemade candies. She sold the sweets at the family pizza restaurants and at Rockton River Market.

“Anna was a natural with creating products and finding a market,” Brunke said. “Her business instincts, as well as her passion for baking was always evident. I am proud of Anna. She is a great role model for current and future students to know that hard work gets rewarded.”

Anna Pipitone, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and Hononegah High School will be opening a French bakery on Main Street in Rockton, October 17, 2024. La Croûte will offer artisan breads, cakes, cookies and other decadent pastries.

After graduating high school in 2018, she enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) school in Napa Valley, California. She earned an associate degree in Baking and Pastry. Anna then transferred to the CIA New York campus in Hyde Park, New York, where she earned a bachelor degree in Food Business Management.

Simply Sweet has now morphed into La Croûte Bakery Café. After months of hard work and planning, Anna has transformed the large gray building at 116 W. Main Street in Rockton into a fully-equipped bakery and café with a European vibe. It was previously the location of eCom Elite Consulting, Home - In Rockton, and Butler's Emporium.

Espresso, soft drinks and lattes will also be available.

Anna credits her dad for putting in a lot of effort and time to make the café attractive and functional.

The grand opening of La Croûte is Thursday, October 17, 2024. Doors will open at 7:00 am. The first 100 customers will receive a free chocolate cookie with purchase.

Café hours are Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

During business hours, customers and people passing by will have the opportunity to watch Anna at work creating her signature pastries and breads through the large street-front window at the café.

Anna is happy to be back in her hometown. “I came back to Rockton because I wanted to be close to my family and open a small bakery.”

Her dream has come true.

“Baking and creating beautiful cakes and pastries doesn’t even feel like work.”

Video

Discover La Croûte Bakery Cafe: A Fresh Start in Downtown Rockton | Beloit WI | Stateline Buzz
Ever wonder what happens when passion for quality meets the art of baking? That’s exactly what you’ll find at La Croûte Bakery Cafe, a new must-visit spot in Downtown Rockton! Formerly known as Simply Sweet, La Croûte has opened its doors with a delicious mission: to create unforgettable moments through artisan bread, pastries, and perfectly crafted espresso drinks.I had the chance to visit the cafe and catch up with Anna, the owner, and it was clear from the moment I walked in that this place isn’t just about food—it’s about community. Anna has been a supporter of Stateline Buzz from the start, and I couldn’t wait to experience this new chapter of hers firsthand.A Taste of Quality and PassionFrom the very first bite of their flaky croissants to the rich aroma of espresso in the air, La Croûte offers an experience that feels carefully curated. They use high-quality ingredients and pour love into every item on the menu. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack or settling in with friends for coffee, every sip and bite delivers that perfect mix of flavor and craftsmanship.The menu features a variety of artisan bread, pastries, and espresso drinks, all made fresh each day. Whether you prefer a simple, buttery croissant or something more decadent, there’s a treat waiting to delight your taste buds. And if you’re a coffee lover, their lattes and espresso drinks are designed to pair perfectly with any pastry.A Cozy Space That Feels Like HomeBeyond the food, what makes La Croûte special is the atmosphere. The space is warm and inviting, with a cozy charm that makes you want to linger. It’s the kind of place where you can meet friends, enjoy some “me time,” or catch up on a good book over a steaming cup of coffee.During my visit, it was easy to see that this cafe is more than just a business—it’s a gathering space for the community. Anna has created a spot where people can feel at home, whether they’re popping in for a quick bite or staying to chat.Grand Opening CelebrationTo kick things off with a little extra sweetness, La Croûte is offering a special grand opening treat—the first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive a FREE chocolate chip cookie. Because, honestly, who can resist a freshly baked cookie? 🍪Visit La Croûte Today!If you love supporting local businesses, enjoying great food, and relaxing in a cozy cafe, La Croûte Bakery Cafe needs to be on your list. It’s the perfect place to make memories and enjoy life’s little pleasures.Stop by and experience the difference for yourself. Whether it’s the artisan bread, the pastries, or the lattes, every bite and sip promises to bring joy and quality to your day.📍 Location: 116 W. Main St, Rockton, ILLa Croûte Bakery Cafe is open and waiting to welcome you—so grab a friend, indulge in a treat, and taste the love that’s baked into everything they offer!Be sure to let me know if you visit—I love hearing about your experiences with the amazing places in our community!