Larson’s Country Market & Bake Shoppe

Introduction / Overview: A True Illinois Country Market Experience

Larson’s Country Market & Bake Shoppe, located in Leland, Illinois, is much more than a simple bakery; it is a long-standing, family-owned small business that has proudly served the region for over 25 years. Situated right off US-34, this destination provides Illinois patrons with a delightful blend of fresh, homemade baked goods and quality country market products. What began as a venture selling surplus garden produce to neighbors has blossomed into a cherished local institution, renowned for its commitment to making everything 'from scratch.'

The core of Larson's appeal lies in its authenticity. Unlike large chain stores, their products—particularly the vast array of baked goods—are not pre-made, frozen, and then "baked off." Instead, everything from their legendary pies to their large, mouth-watering cinnamon rolls is made entirely from scratch by the Larson family. This traditional approach ensures a taste difference that loyal Illinois customers rave about, whether they encounter the market at their physical location or at various pop-up markets throughout the state.

The market aspect adds another layer of appeal, with offerings that extend beyond the typical bakery scope. Patrons can find specialty items such as homemade jams, canned goods, fresh produce (depending on the season), and unique creations like their celebrated salsas. This combination of a comprehensive bake shoppe and a country market makes Larson’s an essential, multi-faceted stop for high-quality, homemade goods in the Illinois region.

Location and Accessibility: Conveniently Located on US-34

Larson’s Country Market & Bake Shoppe is centrally located for regional access at 1968 US-34, Leland, IL 60531, USA. Its position directly on U.S. Route 34, a major east-west highway across Illinois, makes it an easily identifiable and convenient stop for travelers and local patrons alike.

The business caters to customer convenience with several planning options. It offers the flexibility of a Quick visit for those stopping in for a fast purchase of baked goods or produce. However, for specialized needs or consultations, customers have the option to set an Appointment required, ensuring dedicated attention. This dual approach respects both the hurried pace and the need for personalized service.

In terms of physical access, the market is designed to accommodate all visitors, featuring a Wheelchair accessible parking lot. While not all accessibility details are available, the provision of accessible parking is a key step in ensuring a welcoming environment for every member of the Illinois community.

Services Offered (Blending Retail and Market Convenience)

Larson’s Country Market & Bake Shoppe offers a diverse range of services, designed to maximize convenience for their loyal customers in Illinois.

• Takeout: Available for all market and bake shoppe items, ensuring customers can quickly pick up their purchases.
• Delivery: Offering delivery services, which is a significant convenience for customers wishing to receive baked goods and market items at their homes or businesses.
• Farmers' Market Presence: Regularly attends pop-up markets across Illinois, bringing their fresh-baked pies, breads, and other products directly to communities that may not be near Leland.
• Custom Orders: Although appointments are sometimes required for planning, the business caters to specific orders for their vast selection of pies, sweet breads, yeast breads, cookies, and candies.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods, including both Credit cards and Debit cards for ease of transaction.

Features / Highlights (Homemade Goodness and Diversity)

The strength of Larson’s Country Market & Bake Shoppe lies in its traditional, family-run business model and its product diversity, distinguishing it from typical regional bakeries.

• True 'From Scratch' Baking: All pies, breads, cookies, and pastries are baked entirely from scratch, a rare distinction that promises superior flavor and quality compared to 'bake-off' products.
• Country Market Specialties: Beyond baked goods, the market sells a wide array of homemade and homegrown items, including over 20 types of cookies, pies, sweet breads, yeast breads, candies, and beloved products like their homemade salsas.
• Family-Owned Small Business: The operation is explicitly noted as a Small business, providing a personal, community-focused experience that many Illinois residents prefer to corporate chains.
• Broad Product Range: The inventory includes pies (apple, cherry, pecan), sweet breads (banana, blueberry), yeast breads (challah, cracked wheat), jams, canned goods, and seasonal produce, creating a comprehensive farm-to-table shopping experience.
• Market Flexibility: Known for setting up at pop-up markets, making their delicious products accessible to a wider Illinois audience who look forward to seeing the Larson brothers.

Contact Information (Your Connection to Local Flavor)

For making appointments, placing large orders, or confirming market attendance, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 1968 US-34, Leland, IL 60531, USA
• Phone: (815) 495-2500
• Mobile Phone: +1 815-495-2500

What is Worth Choosing: The Value of Tradition and Variety

For residents of Illinois, choosing Larson’s Country Market & Bake Shoppe is a vote for quality, tradition, and supporting a valuable small business. The value proposition here is multifaceted, combining the best of a dedicated bakery with the charm and utility of a country market.

The single greatest reason to choose Larson's is their absolute dedication to scratch-made products. Customers seeking the authentic, deep flavor of homemade baking will find it here, particularly with their pies and breads, which are often still warm from the oven at markets. This commitment is the opposite of the large commercial operations and guarantees a superior taste, making every treat a worthy indulgence. This focus on tradition is what builds trust and long-term customer relationships.

Furthermore, the variety offered is unparalleled. Where else can an Illinois customer pick up a fresh, buttery cinnamon roll, a loaf of challah bread, and a jar of homemade salsa, all from the same small business? This blend of bakery excellence and specialty market items, praised in reviews for being "amazing" and "a great gift or treat," makes it a comprehensive one-stop-shop for high-quality, local provisions.

It is important to acknowledge the occasional customer concern regarding freshness, as seen in a past review. However, in the context of a small business dealing with fresh produce and baked goods, this is an opportunity for the market to reinforce its commitment to quality control and customer service. The overall reputation, built over two decades of consistent market presence and dedication to scratch-made products, confirms that Larson's Country Market & Bake Shoppe remains a highly valued and rewarding choice for the Illinois community.

Larson’s Country Market & Bake Shoppe

1968 US-34, Leland, IL 60531, USA