Collaborating Locally: How Balkan Bakery Builds Community Through Partnerships and Events

In the heart of Chicago’s west suburbs, Balkan Bakery has always been about more than just baking. Our mission is to celebrate Balkan heritage, nurture community, and create a welcoming space where tradition meets innovation. One of the most impactful ways we do this is by working with other local businesses—fellow entrepreneurs who share our values of quality, authenticity, and hospitality.

This commitment to collaboration came to life in a new way on October 18th, when we hosted an unforgettable event: the unveiling of our signature Balkan charcuterie boards, paired with the bold, artisanal flavors of Blacklisted Rakija. This gathering wasn’t just about introducing new menu items—it was about building bridges, celebrating culture, and showing what’s possible when local businesses come together.

Why Local Partnerships Matter to Us

At Balkan Bakery, we believe that supporting other local businesses is essential to building a thriving community. Chicago is full of passionate makers, artisans, and small business owners who pour their hearts into their work—just like we do. By joining forces, we can offer richer experiences to our customers, foster creativity, and keep the spirit of independent entrepreneurship alive.

Partnering with local brands allows us to:

• Expand our menu and introduce new products that complement our core offerings.

• Create unique, memorable events that bring people together.

• Support other entrepreneurs and strengthen the local economy.

• Celebrate the diversity and richness of Chicago’s food scene.

The Power of Collaboration: Our October 18th Event

Our October 18th event was a true celebration of what makes Chicago’s local business community so special. The idea was simple: combine the best of Balkan flavors with the best of Balkan spirits, and invite our customers to experience something new.

Unveiling the Balkan Charcuterie Boards

For months, we’d been developing our vision for a charcuterie board that would do justice to the Balkan tradition of meze—those generous, communal spreads of cured meats, cheeses, breads, and pickled vegetables that anchor every celebration back home. We wanted to create a board that was both authentic and modern, something that would delight longtime

Balkan food lovers and newcomers alike.

Our charcuterie boards featured:

• Imported cured meats like kulen, sujuk, and prosciutto

• Artisanal cheeses such as feta, kashkaval, and Balkan-style white cheese

• Creamy house-made kajmak and tangy ajvar

• Fresh-baked breads, flaky pastries, and savory pita

• Pickled vegetables, olives, and seasonal garnishes

Each board was thoughtfully arranged to showcase the variety, color, and abundance that define Balkan hospitality.

Partnering with Blacklisted Rakija

No Balkan gathering is complete without rakija—the iconic fruit brandy that’s both a drink and a symbol of celebration. For this event, we partnered with Blacklisted Rakija, a Midwest-based brand dedicated to producing small-batch, traditional rakija with bold, authentic flavors.

Blacklisted Rakija brought a lineup of their best spirits, offering guided tastings and sharing the stories behind each bottle. Guests learned about the history of rakija, the nuances of different fruit varieties, and the role this spirit plays in Balkan culture. The pairing of our charcuterie boards with their rakija created a sensory experience that was both familiar and new—a true taste of the Balkans, right here in Chicago.

What Made This Collaboration Unique

While we’ve hosted events and tastings before, this collaboration was special for several reasons:

• A New Menu Launch: The event marked the official debut of our Balkan charcuterie boards—a product we’d been perfecting for months. Seeing our customers enjoy these boards, paired with the perfect sip of rakija, was incredibly rewarding.

• Shared Values: Blacklisted Rakija shares our commitment to quality, tradition, and storytelling. Their passion for preserving Balkan heritage through spirits mirrors our own dedication to baking and hospitality.

• A Community Gathering: The event brought together a diverse group of people—Balkan expats, Chicago locals, foodies, and first-timers—all united by curiosity and a love of good food and drink. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, full of laughter, conversation, and discovery.

  
  

  

Behind the Scenes: Planning and Partnership

Collaborating with another local business is about more than just logistics—it’s about trust, communication, and a shared vision. From our first meeting with Blacklisted Rakija, we knew we were working with partners who understood our goals. Together, we planned every detail, from menu pairings to event flow, ensuring that guests would have a seamless and memorable

experience.

We also worked closely to educate our teams, so everyone could answer questions, share stories, and guide guests through the tasting journey. This spirit of teamwork extended to our social media and marketing efforts, where we cross-promoted the event and celebrated each other’s brands.

The Impact: Building Buzz and Strengthening Community

The response to our October 18th event was overwhelmingly positive. Guests raved about the charcuterie boards, discovered new favorite flavors, and left with a deeper appreciation for Balkan food and drink. Many told us they felt transported—reminded of family celebrations back home, or inspired to learn more about the region’s culinary traditions.

For us, the event was a reminder of why we do what we do. Working with other local businesses doesn’t just benefit our bottom line—it enriches our community, sparks creativity, and helps keep tradition alive in a modern world.

Looking Ahead: More Collaborations, More Community

The success of our charcuterie and rakija event has inspired us to keep looking for new ways to collaborate. We’re already exploring partnerships with other local producers, from cheese makers and coffee roasters to musicians and artists. Our goal is to continue building bridges—between cultures, businesses, and people—through the universal language of food.

We also plan to make our Balkan charcuterie boards a regular feature, available for special orders, catering, and future events. And of course, we’ll keep working with Blacklisted Rakija to offer tastings and pairings that celebrate the best of both brands.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re a local business interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you make food, drinks, art, or music, we believe there’s always room at the table for collaboration. And if you’re a customer, keep an eye on our website and social media for upcoming events, new menu launches, and opportunities to experience the best of Chicago’s local food scene.

Why Collaboration Matters in Modern Retail

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, it’s easy to feel disconnected. That’s why we believe so strongly in the power of local partnerships. When small businesses work together, we create something bigger than ourselves—a network of support, creativity, and shared purpose.

At Balkan Bakery, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. From our kitchen to your table, we’re committed to building a community that celebrates tradition, innovation, and the joy of coming together.

Visit Us and Taste the Difference

Ready to experience Chicago’s best Balkan charcuterie and the bold flavors of Blacklisted Rakija? Visit us in La Grange, IL, or check our website for upcoming events and menu offerings. Bring your friends, meet new ones, and discover why collaboration is the secret ingredient that makes our bakery—and our city—so special.