Vegan Visionary
Cheryl Nelson Brings Plant-Based Goodness to Richton Park and Chicago Avenue
Sweet Vegan Bakes, the beloved vegan bakery founded by Cheryl Nelson, is embarking on an exciting expansion with two new locations—one still on Chicago Avenue in Old Town and a spacious, full‑service bakery-and-café in Richton Park. In an exclusive conversation with Black Chicago Eats, Nelson shared her vision, passion, and plans for enriching communities across Chicagoland.
A Sweet Expansion on Chicago Avenue
Nelson’s original bakery, nestled on Chicago Avenue in Old Town, has been a local favorite since its 2021 debut. Known for its moist, flavorful vegan cupcakes, cookies, and savory wraps, the bakery quickly won over vegans and non-vegans alike. Nelson noted that the Chicago Avenue location remains central to her brand and community presence.
Located near the historic Water Tower—one of the few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871—the shop stands as a reminder of resilience and reinvention, much like Sweet Vegan Bakes itself. Every time you walk past the Water Tower, think about how this city always bounces back. It seems as though that spirit is baked into every treat they make. They are not just near where Mrs. O’Leary’s cow became infamous—they are part of a legacy of rebirth.
“When we say this is the best vegan cake you’ve ever had, customers ask, ‘Is this really vegan?’” Nelson told Black Chicago Eats. “We’re hearing those reactions every day on Chicago Avenue”—a testament to her commitment to flavor and quality.
Richton Park: A New Chapter
Set to open later this summer at 3721 W. Sauk Trail, the Richton Park location marks a significant leap forward. Housed in a 5,000‑square-foot space—nearly seven times larger than the original—this new venue will function as a bakery, café, and brunch spot, offering expanded seating, faster service, and a full menu of breakfast and lunch items.
Nelson, speaking to Black Chicago Eats, highlighted the strategic significance of Richton Park: “We want to be embedded in the community—not just a Black‑owned business, but a community partner. The new brunch spot in Richton Park means we can reach more people and give back locally.” She explained that part of the bakery’s mission is addressing food access—especially in suburban areas like Richton Park, where fresh, plant‑based options can be limited.
Black Chicago Eats, a local platform devoted to amplifying Black-owned food businesses, has featured Nelson and Sweet Vegan Bakes not once, but twice. In one TikTok interview, Nelson was praised as “an absolute visionary”—and the community couldn’t be more excited about her expansion.
Nelson told Black Chicago Eats: “This isn’t about me—it’s about healing through food. Richton Park will be our hub for health, accessibility, and education.” She further explained: “We’re building a production facility here that will source our other locations—so every cupcake or wrap tastes the same, whether you’re in the city or suburbs.”
Supporting Community and Growth
The bakery’s growth comes on the heels of national recognition. In May 2023, Good Morning America surprised Nelson with a $10,000 gift as part of its “Up in Your Business” segment. The funds have fueled hiring, expanded charitable drives, and helped prepare for the Richton Park opening. Nelson emphasized her dedication to local support: “A portion of all sales is donated to local organizations and charities,” she told CBS Chicago.
She expressed her belief that businesses must reciprocate the support they receive: “As a small business, it is my obligation to give back to the community the way the community has given to me.” That philosophy is woven into every new initiative, from coat and school‑supply drives in Chicago to fresh, affordable food access in Richton Park,” she said.
Looking Ahead: A Vision of Health and Unity
With these two new locations, Nelson is not merely growing her business—she’s planting seeds of change. Her approach blends entrepreneurship with advocacy, aiming to create shared spaces of nourishment and empowerment. “One bite, and you’ll see,” Nelson said in a WLS‑ABC7 interview, “If you’re not vegan, but you’re a lover of good food, stop in and I’ll win you over.”
As Sweet Vegan Bakes prepares to unveil its new Chicago Avenue branch and its flagship Richton Park location, Cheryl Nelson invites the Greater Chicagoland community to experience plant‑based food that tastes good, does good—and stays true to its roots.
Sweet Vegan Bakes is located at 1900 N. Chicago Ave. in Old Town and at 3721 W. Sauk Trail in Richton Park.
