Eggs over easy, crisp bacon and avocado toast are all options at this restaurant planning expansion.
Pekara Bakery & Bistro is not done serving Champaign as a new location will be built at 500 N Walnut Street, per a report from Smile Politely. It is going in right next to Martinelli’s Market, which is also owned by Pekara Bakery founders Lauren and Jeffrey Brokish. An opening date has not been announced, but it is rumored to debut sometime in the fall.
The restaurant first opened in 2005 at 116 N Neil Street in downtown Champaign, and years later took over the space of an abandoned gas station at 811 W Springfield Avenue in 2017. Now, the team is moving back to the downtown area, opening next to their market and deli which has been open since 2022.
“We craft each meal to order using artisan breads, organic eggs, local produce, farmstead cheeses and quality meats,” says the description on Pekara’s website.
The menu for the new downtown location will be mostly the same, offering breakfast options like french toast with eggs and whipped cream, as well as lunch sandwiches. Their chicken pesto sandwich with provolone cheese and red onion is a popular option. At the Springfield Avenue location, drink options include lattes, espressos and iced teas.
Pekara Bakery & Bistro’s new spot is at the intersection of E Washington Street, sharing a building with Martinelli’s, and Wood N’ Hog Barbecue Catering. This is on the north end of downtown Champaign, and the University of Illinois campus is a 10-minute drive south of the location.
When What Now Chicago reached out to the owners, they were not available for comment. For future updates on the new location, visit the business’s Facebook page.
