Livin’ the dream: La Croûte Bakery Café

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.”

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.”