BAKING FOR CHICAGO AND WE’RE
Hot Spot Markets
Top neighborhoods on the waitlist — sign up to help bring a community-owned bakery to your area.
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🥇 60647 - Logan Square / Bucktown2
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🥈 60626 - Rogers Park1
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🥉 60637 - Hyde Park1
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4 60452 - Oak Forest1
JOIN THE MOVEMENT, BE A FOUNDING MEMBER AS LOW AS $100
COMMUNITY ROOTED, FUTURE OWNED
From our beginnings in Chicago, 24 Karat Bakery Co-op was built on a simple idea: good food, good jobs, and shared ownership should grow together. Today, we create opportunity, empower worker-owners, and bring neighbors together through food that nourishes both people and community.
Frequently asked questions
What is community ownership at 24 Karat Bakery?
24 Karat Bakery is a worker- and community-owned cooperative. That means customers, neighbors, and supporters can become owners, not just shoppers. Community ownership helps us keep baking jobs local and fair, invest in quality ingredients and craft, and grow without corporate control.
What does it mean to be a community owner?
As a Community Member, you receive: One vote in community-level co-op decisions, a voice in the future of the bakery, invitations to member events and meetings, eligibility for patronage distributions (if declared), and the pride of supporting a worker-owned local bakery. Ownership is about participation and stewardship, not speculation.
When will I get my order?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
What community ownership is not
To be clear and transparent: It is NOT a stock purchase, NOT a guaranteed financial return, NOT a short-term investment, and NOT transferable or resellable. Community ownership is membership equity governed by our bylaws.
Community ownership contribution
One-time ownership contribution: $100. One member = one vote. Additional contributions do not increase voting power. Contributions are recorded as member equity.
How to become a community owner?
Complete the ownership contribution through our website. You'll receive a welcome email and membership materials. Your membership becomes active once your contribution is received and the membership agreement is acknowledged.
Prefer to join in person?
You can also sign up at our bakery or at farmers markets and community events (after we're open!). Look for the "Become an Owner" sign or ask a team member.
Transparency & disclosure
Community ownership contributions are membership equity in 24 Karat Bakery Co-op. They are not deposits, donations, or securities, and do not guarantee financial returns. Ownership rights and responsibilities are governed by the co-op's bylaws.
Questions?
Email us at: hello@24karatbakery.com. We're happy to explain how co-op ownership works.
ABOUT 24 KARAT BAKERY
At 24 Karat Bakery, we bring together a fresh artisan bakery and a worker- and community-owned co-op under one roof. We bake breads, pastries, and coffee daily, provide a permanent space for local food producers to sell their goods, and offer shared ownership that empowers our neighbors to grow with us.
Bring 24 Karat to Your Community
We aren't a traditional chain; we're a cooperative. Our goal is to seed locally owned 24 Karat Bakeries across Chicago and beyond, run by the people, for the people. Are you ready to lead the charge?
Thank You!
We've received your submission and will be in touch soon about bringing 24 Karat to your community.