Hyde Park – After two successful years in Bridgeport, Fat Peach Bakeshop is bringing its handcrafted pastries to the South Side. The new storefront at 1613 E. 53rd St. opened its soft launch on Friday, with regular hours slated for next week.
Local flavors meet new neighborhood
The Hyde Park menu will include Bridgeport favorites such as a guava custard danish, a hearty breakfast pastry with hash‑browns, ham, cheese and ketchup, and cinnamon rolls topped with raspberry glaze and espresso cream‑cheese frosting. Co‑owner Kerrie Breuer said the team is still finalizing the full offering but wants to keep the signature “Peach” aesthetic – a peach‑colored exterior and plenty of greenery – consistent with the original shop.
Owners see Hyde Park as a natural fit
“We really like the South Side and think it’s sometimes underrated,” Breuer told Block Club Chicago. “This was a natural place for us to expand. A small storefront works for our purposes, and it just felt like pieces were falling into place.”
Breuer, a professional cake decorator and winner of Amazon Prime’s 2022 “Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge,” emphasized that this is the bakery’s first foray into a second location. “We’re just trying to figure things out, make tweaks along the way and make sure our systems are running efficiently,” she said.
From Bridgeport roots to Hyde Park welcome
Fat Peach first opened at 2907 S. Archer Ave. in August 2024, filling the void left by the long‑standing Bridgeport Bakery that closed after half a century. The owners, Breuer and her partner David Castillo, draw inspiration from coffee shops and bakeries they visited in Mexico City and Oaxaca, blending that influence with Chicago’s own café culture.
Despite a minor setback on Thursday – a delivery driver swerved into Castillo’s lane, damaging the day’s pastry supply – the bakery’s soft opening attracted a steady stream of curious locals and Bridgeport supporters. “It was so sweet. We feel welcome and are looking forward to serving the Hyde Park community,” Breuer said.
Low‑key launch, big community focus
The bakery will operate 8 a.m.‑3 p.m. Friday through Sunday for its first week, with regular hours to be announced. The owners have opted against a formal ribbon‑cutting, preferring a modest approach that mirrors the original shop’s style.
Fat Peach’s commitment to quality has already earned recognition: the bakery was nominated for a 2026 Jean Banchet Award in the “Pastry Program of the Year” category.
What’s next for the new location?
Breuer and Castillo plan to fine‑tune the menu based on community feedback, ensuring that the Hyde Park outlet reflects both the beloved items from Bridgeport and new creations that speak to local tastes. As the bakery settles into its new home, the owners hope to become a neighborhood staple, offering a place where families can gather for breakfast, a quick coffee, or a sweet treat after school.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
