Chicago Bakery Averts $30,000 Cake Loss After Storm Outage, Weighs Costly Generator
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 11
Chicago Bakery Averts $30,000 Cake Loss After Storm Outage, Weighs Costly Generator
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 11
Summary
$30,000 worth of cakes at Stephanie Hart’s South Side Chicago bakery were nearly lost when an early-June outage hit during a storm and heat wave; the inventory was saved after power returned the next day.
$1,700 in dry ice bought Hart time after 500 ice cream bars and chocolate candies had already spoiled, and she pressed political contacts until the utility restored service.
More frequent summer storms in Chicago have repeatedly knocked down power lines while heavy air-conditioning demand strains the grid, leaving Hart worried another outage could wipe out inventory.
To adapt, Hart is making more cakes to order—slowing deliveries and creating more intermittent work—and is considering an expensive backup generator for next summer.
Chicago’s disruptions reflect a broader summer of climate-driven stress for businesses facing rising costs and operational changes to protect perishable goods.