Wendy Fox Weber 630-978-8127
More Top Picks Best Reading Glasses With Blue Light Filter For Computer Use
There may be a new name and a new navy blue awning at 28 W. Chicago Ave., but Neda Darwish is serving up old-fashioned bakery items at Mo’s Bake House in downtown Naperville.
“People were coming in saying I wish Naperville had an old town little bakery,” said Darwish, who opened Sugar Monkey Cupcakes in the same location in 2008. “We decided to move on from cupcakes, try something else, and have fun with it.”
Since August 2015, Darwish has been sharing sugar and spice and everything nice along with freshly made doughnuts, homemade stuffed rolls, cakes, brownies and specialty pies.
“We want to make people really happy and serve our community,” Darwish said.
Here’s the scoop on this local bakery:
What’s on the menu?
From doughnuts that are as pretty as they are tasty, to muffins, crumb cakes and their signature gooey butter pies, Mo’s has something to indulge every sweet tooth. Darwish said the doughnut flavors change each day and they introduce different items based on the seasons and holidays as well. Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, Mo’s delivers.
About the owner:
The Naperville mother of three and nurse said baking has always been her passion, and for that reason she changed careers and opened Sugar Monkey Cupcakes in 2008. After nearly eight years of cupcakes, Darwish said her customers wanted more, and she was ready for a change. She renamed the bakery Mo’s because “Mo” is a nickname given to her by her three sons, she said, as a short version of “mom.”
A mission statement or philosophy:
Darwish said her mission is to take care of customers and turn out a great product every time.
“It’s a heartfelt product,” she said. “Everything we make we are really proud of.”
What’s the decor like?
A cozy and charming spot in downtown Naperville, there are a couple of small tables to enjoy the treats, but most customers get things to go.
Food specialties:
Gooey butter pies, a “hybrid recipe” that is similar to the St. Louis gooey butter cake is something Darwish is extremely proud of. The Mo’s Better Butter pie comes in a variety of flavors like the pumpkin gooey butter pie which may become a Thanksgiving must-have.
She also raves about the Texas kolaches, a soft fresh baked yeast dough filled with sweet or savory fillings, which are delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
We’re different because:
Mo’s uses fresh ingredients, and they start early and bake all day to keep up with the demand. Darwish said being individually owned and operated allows her to change things as needed and respond to her customers. “I love the freedom of being able to change things up and move with the flow of the community,” she said.
Extras:
They serve hot chocolate, coffee and organic milk and chocolate milk.
Price range:
More Top Picks Water Bottle
Slices of pie are $3, or take the whole pie home for $16. Donuts are $1.75 each or $19 for a dozen. Texas kolaches, scones and muffins are $2, and jumbo cinnamon rolls are big enough to share for $4.
Logistics:
Mo’s is located at 28 W. Chicago Ave. in downtown Naperville. They are open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit mosbakehouse.com or call (630) 305-0555.
Jane Donahue is a freelance writer.