Working in a Family Bakery: The Challenges and Blessings at Balkan Bakery

When you walk into Balkan Bakery, you’ll notice more than the aroma of fresh-baked bread and pastries. There’s a unique energy—a sense of warmth, tradition, and togetherness that comes from being a true family bakery. For those who’ve ever wondered what it’s really like working in a family bakery, we’re opening the kitchen door to share some of the challenges and blessings that shape our days at Balkan Bakery in Chicago.

The Heartbeat of a Family Bakery

Family is at the heart of everything we do. Balkan Bakery was founded in 2007 by Olja Igic, who brought treasured recipes from Kosovo and Serbia to Chicago. Today, as a second-generation family business, we carry forward those traditions with pride. Our team is small—just a handful of dedicated family members and close friends who feel like family. Every day, we work side by side, sharing laughter, stories, and the occasional flour fight.

Marija and Olga

The Blessings: Why We Love Family Business

1. Shared Traditions and Values

Working in a family bakery means every recipe, every product, and every customer interaction is infused with meaning. We’re not just baking bread—we’re preserving a piece of our heritage and sharing it with the Chicago community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see customers return year after year, sometimes bringing the next generation with them.

2. Deep Sense of Purpose

There’s nothing quite like knowing your work matters—not just to your customers, but to your family’s legacy. Every cake, pastry, and loaf is a testament to the hard work and dreams of those who came before us.

3. Flexibility and Creativity

Family businesses are nimble. We can try new recipes, adjust our menu, or launch new products quickly. Our crepe expansion and seasonal specials are a direct result of late-night family brainstorming sessions and a willingness to experiment together.

4. Building Lifelong Memories

Some of our fondest memories come from working in the bakery—early mornings prepping dough, celebrating birthdays with cake straight from the oven, and sharing quiet moments over coffee after a busy Saturday rush. These experiences bond us in a way that goes far beyond a typical job.

The Challenges: What Makes Family Bakeries Unique

1. Blurred Boundaries

When your coworkers are also your family, it’s hard to leave work at work. Business discussions can spill into family dinners, and it can be a challenge to “unplug” and focus on personal time. Finding that balance is a constant work in progress.

2. High Expectations and Pressure

There’s a deep desire to honor the family legacy and keep the bakery thriving. That means long hours, high standards, and sometimes tough conversations about the future of the business. Every decision feels personal, because it is.

3. Limited Resources

Unlike large bakeries or chains, family bakeries often operate with small teams and tight budgets. We wear many hats—baker, marketer, customer service rep, and more. It’s rewarding, but it can also be exhausting.

4. Navigating Change

As the business grows and evolves, so do family dynamics. Introducing new products, updating processes, or bringing in outside help can create tension. Open communication and mutual respect are key to moving forward together.

Why We Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

Despite the challenges, we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Working in a family bakery in Chicago has given us a deep appreciation for our roots, our customers, and each other. We’re proud to be a place where tradition meets innovation, where every customer is welcomed like family, and where every pastry tells a story.

Running a family bakery is both a challenge and a blessing—a journey filled with hard work, laughter, and love. We’re grateful for every early morning, every busy weekend, and every chance to share our passion for Balkan baking with you.

So the next time you visit Balkan Bakery, know that you’re not just supporting a local business—you’re becoming part of our extended family. From our kitchen to your table, thank you for being part of our story.