Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Ferrara Original Bakery: Chicagos Premier Family-Owned Pastry & Catering Since 1908
Since 1908, Ferrara Original has been a cornerstone of Chicago's Little Italy community, dedicated to crafting exceptional Italian pastries, wedding cakes, and confections. Founded by Salvatore Ferrara, our bakery continues to uphold the tradition of using only the freshest ingredients and imported spices, ensuring every product maintains the authenticity and quality established over a century ago. Our family-owned business has expanded to include catering and lunch services while preserving the artisan techniques passed down through generations. We pride ourselves on creating signature items like our Italian Cannoli Cake, which has become a cherished tradition for countless celebrations. With decades of experience in event catering and custom dessert design, our team combines heritage with innovation to deliver memorable culinary experiences.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every handcrafted item we produce, from daily pastries to elaborate wedding cakes. As a recognized leader in Chicago's bakery industry, we maintain rigorous quality standards and transparent business practices. Our historic storefront at 2210 W. Taylor St. stands as a testament to our enduring legacy and dedication to customer satisfaction. Through three generations of ownership, we've maintained our founding principles while adapting to modern tastes and dietary preferences. Today, we continue to serve both individual customers and corporate clients with the same passion that defined our first decade in business.
Services
Wedding Cakes
Pastries
Catering
Lunch Menu
Gift Boxes
Details
- Year established: 1908
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of family-owned pastry-making tradition
- Our products use only fresh, preservative-free ingredients
- We specialize in custom wedding cake designs since 1908
- We provide full-service catering with Italian-inspired menus
- Our historic bakery location maintains original artisan techniques
Services
Wedding Cakes
Our signature wedding cakes combine traditional Italian techniques with modern design elements. Each creation uses fresh, high-quality ingredients and imported spices. Customers can choose from classic designs or collaborate with our pastry chefs for custom creations tailored to their special day.
Pastries
Daily baked goods include authentic Italian pastries, cookies, and specialty cannoli. We use time-honored recipes passed down through three generations. Our selection features both traditional favorites and seasonal specialties made with premium ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
Catering
Full-service catering for weddings and special events includes Italian-inspired desserts and savory lunch options. Our experienced team handles everything from setup to service. Menus can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions and event themes.
Lunch Menu
Daily lunch service features Italian sandwiches, soups, and salads alongside our baked goods. All items are made fresh using quality ingredients. Customers can dine in or order takeout through our Clover pickup system.
Gift Boxes
Curated gift boxes feature our most popular confections including chocolate-covered almonds and mini cannoli. Available for individual purchase or bulk orders. Perfect for corporate gifts or special occasions with customizable packaging options.
People
Salvatore Ferrara
Founder
Founded Ferrara Bakery in 1908 after emigrating from Italy. Introduced traditional Italian pastry techniques to Chicago. Established the business's commitment to quality ingredients that continues today.
Serafina Ferrara
Co-Owner
Partnered with Salvatore to build the bakery's reputation. Known as 'The Angel of Halsted Street' for her community contributions. Maintained quality standards while expanding the business's offerings.
Bill Davy
Current Owner
Third-generation owner continuing family tradition. Oversees daily operations and maintains original recipes. Ensures the bakery's legacy through modern adaptations while preserving core values.
Nella Davy
Current Owner
Third-generation owner managing customer relations and special orders. Focuses on maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction. Represents the family's ongoing commitment to Chicago's Little Italy community.
Questions
What services does Ferrara Original offer?
We offer artisan pastries, wedding cakes, catering services, lunch options, and gift boxes. Our bakery has served Chicago since 1908 with both traditional and custom creations.
Are your products made with quality ingredients?
Yes, we use only fresh, preservative-free ingredients and imported spices. Our recipes maintain the authenticity established in 1908 while meeting modern quality standards.
Do you provide catering services?
Yes, we offer full-service catering for weddings and special events. Our Italian-inspired menus include both desserts and savory options with customizable choices for dietary needs.
What are your store hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-4:30PM, Saturday 9:00AM-2:00PM, and closed on Sundays. Orders can be placed by phone during business hours.
Can I order online?
Yes, lunch orders can be placed through Clover for pickup or Grubhub for delivery. Gift boxes and special orders require direct phone contact at 312.666.2200.
What makes your bakery unique?
As Chicago's oldest Italian bakery, we combine three generations of family ownership with traditional techniques. Our signature items like the Cannoli Cake have become local traditions since 1908.
