With a new baby and the desire to do something creative and profitable with her skills, Julie Antonucci says, “I started small by making desserts for Chicago-area coffee shops in 1991.”
The business name came easily enough–Manda’s Bread and Butter, named for her daughter, Amanda. In 1993, Antonucci found a commercial kitchen in her hometown, Joliet, and began to expand her menu and offer full-service catering. From a simple dinner for two to events for 1,000, Antonucci customizes her menus for each order and offers an unforgettable array of desserts to top off the meal. Catering fees begin at $6 per person and vary depending on the menu.
On June 26, her dream came true with the grand opening of her carryout store and new kitchen at 805 W. Jefferson St. in Shorewood. Manda’s Bread and Butter, located in the Park Place Plaza, is the base of operations for Antonucci’s busy catering business and offers carryout meals for lunch and dinner. The carryout menu features fresh entrees in individual and family-size portions, beginning at $6 per individual portion. A breakfast menu includes flavored coffees, pastries and muffins.
The shop showcases gift baskets, featuring handmade chocolates and Antonucci’s favorite, a caramel-chocolate-dipped pretzel. Baskets begin at $15. Chocolates, cookies and a variety of gourmet products are available for $1.50 per package. Manda’s Corner features unusual favors for children’s parties and customized gift bags, beginning at $2.
Watching trends and customer response to menu items, Antonucci searches for new ways to please the palate and make a table pleasing to the eye. “We don’t fry anything,” she says. “We use fresh food, and we always keep it healthy and tasty.”
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Manda’s Bread and Butter
805 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Phone: 815-725-7848.
