Local family-owned business is closing down Labor Day weekend

PEORIA (25News Now) – A popular local restaurant and bakery is closing the doors for good after 10 years in business.

The Chef and the Baker is known in Peoria as a hotspot for homemade lunch and sweets.

The chef, Ian Hocker, and his wife Karen Hocker, the baker, started their business in 2014 with the goal of bringing their culinary backgrounds to the area.

Unlike most businesses, Hocker said they remained stable during the pandemic due to a high need for catering services in hospitals.

The decision came after Ian’s back injury in 2020 that he never fully recovered from.

“I can’t bend down to get into the oven. You know, lifting 10 to 12 pounds is my max. You know mentally that was hard,” Hocker said.

Hocker said they are sad to be closing, but are lucky to end on a high note.

The restaurant will officially close on Aug. 30.

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