Many locals met Shelli Eng, of Erie, IL, years ago at Morrison Farmers Markets. Her delicious baked goods usually sold out early each Saturday. Perhaps because shoppers did not take the time to learn her name, she was affectionately called–even to this day–“the bread lady.” Others discovered the clothing design studio and shop she and daughter Erica opened in the 100 block of W. Main Street: emeDesigns (pronounced ee’-mee.) After years, Shelli L. Eng will open her multifaceted food business at 203 W. Main, the former Donnybrook Bakery Cafe created by Bob and Debby Vaughn. She had admired the building, its appointments, and the location for a long time. Pete Harkness, of Sterling, IL, at right, owns the building.
Important details are not finalized. Jobs are available. Eng is “still training baristas” and needs more. She must hire someone to be a part-time Delivery Driver, to the other commercial coffee shops she serves. She does commercial catering of breads, pies, etc., also. A retired individual would be suitable, a few days a week.
Many have been anxiously awaiting her opening. During interior renovations in July 2023, daughter Erica positioned a tall cart just inside the front door on Tuesdays. It was laden with wrapped baked items: cinnamon rolls; chocolate chip cookies; scones; muffins; croissants; braided twists; hand (fruit) pies; Danish pastry; parmesan bread; white bread; country white bread. “People stood in line, soaking wet, to buy a scone!” Shelli remembered.
Likewise, during the Christmas Walk Saturday evening, December 2, her “soft” opening was “packed with people. All 80 seats were full. They couldn’t walk through” the rooms!
Friday, December 15, 2023, is the Grand Opening of her expansive, new business, called “The Bread Lady at Donnybrook Corner.” It will take place from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Hours on Saturday, December 16, are 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Those hours will be in place December 19 through 23.
She displayed thick slabs of prepared gingerbread in the refrigerator. They will be used at a Gingerbread House Class this month. It will available for a fee; refreshments will be served.
Her focus always is “fresh food from farm to table.” She plans to introduce pasta soon and will introduce a feature item per month that is wholesome and filling. There will be a selection of prepared, “grab and go” items. People already order baked goods from her, so web ordering is coming soon.
“I won’t sell pizza; I won’t sell a burger. There are plenty of good ones available in town.”
Flavored syrups can be added to energy drinks, milk, tea, and coffee. Insulated beverage cups for purchase are inscribed with Shelli’s and Erica’s slogan: Be the Light. There are 18, fresh coffee variations available, made from “genuine” coffee, roasted in Denver, CO, by the number-one-rated roaster in the Nation. This Asian guan (bowl) is perfect for tea–or soup or pasta.
Three interior spaces have names, from east to west: dining area (photographed); coffee shop; nook. Look for merchandise on the coffee shop back wall: Coffee Blossom Honey from Guatemala and fiber arts and bags by Erica Eng.
