ROGERS PARK — With Smack Dap Bakery's tiny, 250-square-foot shop, it can be easy to underestimate the big work it has done for Rogers Park.
On Tuesday, the independent cafe was recognized for its "success and commitment to their community" with a Brassy Business Award from Square worth $10,000, a technology package worth $2,500 and trip to San Francisco to talk with other business owners.
"We would like to acknowledge our amazing customers, our beautiful staff, and the quirky, fabulous Rogers Park for allowing us to be ourselves and share our passion for making good food and creating community," owner Christine Forster said Thursday. "We are very excited to use the $10,000 to continue to grow our business and build out our next locations."
In a statement, Square said Smack Dab, 7006 N. Glenwood Ave., was chosen out of thousands of nominees across the U.S. because the bakery had worked to "build community in underserved neighborhoods and also give back by raising money for local organizations."
Thirty-five businesses were whittled down by judges to five winners based on an organization's mission, originality, community involvement and "customer love."
In July, Smack Dab raised more than $1,300 for Black Lives Matter by donating a dollar from each of 944 donuts sold over a weekend. A second location is opening soon in Lakeview near the Wellington "L" station.
"The way we look at it, privilege is actually a lot like food," owner Christine Forster said during the summer promotion. "When you have a lot of it, you don't think twice about it; but go without it for a few days and suddenly you're ravenous for just a little crumb. Like a good meal, privilege is also far more satisfying for the body and soul when it's shared with others, rather than consumed alone."
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