A Chicago Cottage Bakery

Hello! I’m Meredith Chiarelli-Santamaria, and I’m so glad you’re here to check out my work.

Chiarelli’s Bakery is a tribute to my family’s history—a creative spin on Chiarelli’s Market, the grocery store my great-grandfather, Ercole Chiarelli, opened in Lincoln Park, Michigan, in 1925. I got my start there at just 13 years old, working in (where else?) the bakery department! Back then, I was all about savory treats—I can still smell the aroma of our legendary pepperoni rolls.

But baking wasn’t my only passion. I’ve loved art and creating for as long as I can remember. If you’ve never seen a 5-year-old artist have a full-blown meltdown, remind me to tell you about the Penguin Man when we meet!

Fast forward to one February afternoon in 2016—I was baking for a Super Bowl party when I decided to make a cupcake hamburger. And just like that, it clicked! I could merge my love for baking and art into edible creations, and my never-ending canvas was born.

Now, I’m bringing that passion to life through local classes, pop-ups, and pre-sales coming this spring and summer. I’m always dreaming up new ideas, and I’d love for you to be part of the journey. Let’s create something sweet together!