'I Believe In Plainfield,' Says Owner Of Milkshake And Cookies

PLAINFIELD, IL — After working for 32 years at the Illinois Tollway, a Plainfield resident is retired and pursuing her passion for baking. Owner Paula Jordan is opening the new sweets bar Milkshake and Cookies "hopefully" sometime in August.

The new shop is set to open at 16122 S. Route 59 in unit 108, neighboring Constable Tattoo Parlor. The concept brings together an assortment of sweets under one roof. From classic and elaborate milkshakes to cookies, boxes of chocolates and gelato, Jordan — who owns the business along with her husband, Robert — said she hopes Milkshake and Cookies will fill a gap in Plainfield.

"We don't have a place where people can come with the family and go to a sweet bar where the whole family can get something sweet that they really enjoy," she said. "They can have a seat and relax and enjoy it."

While the menu is still getting its finishing touches, Jordan said the plan is to start offering small plates of comfort food this fall. Plant-based gelato flavors, which have yet to be finalized, will also be on the menu.

Jordan, who has lived in Plainfield for 13 years and in the Fox Valley area for about 30 years, said she has had a passion for baking since she was young and was able to study the craft in culinary school at the College of DuPage. Now that she's retired, she's able to spend more time getting her hands doughy baking.

Jordan said she's going to do most of the baking for Milkshake and Cookies and will also be the one dipping chocolates. Some items, including macaroons, will be imported.

"It's kind of been a long time coming, so now I'm able to step into it and be creative with foods," she said.

Although the shop has yet to open, Jordan's thinking into the future with plans to open sister shops in neighboring suburbs.

"My husband and I believe in investing in our community," Jordan said. "This is where we live, we love the town, so naturally we wanted the first business to be in Plainfield."

Milkshake and Cookies isn't Jordan's only business, though. She also owns a jam company, Mother of Chicago Jam. The name might sound familiar as the marmalades are on the menu at Lockport Street's Wine And Cheese. The jam is produced in a culinary short kitchen Jordan co-owns with two business partners.

"To say I'm busy is an understatement," she said, laughing.

The sweet bar — which Jordan describes as an "after dinner kind of place" — hasn't even opened yet, and it's already getting traction on social media. Jordan said she hasn't done a lot of social media marketing, instead sticking to word-of-mouth advertising.

"I'm excited to see her move forward," said Jake Melrose, the village's economic development manager. "We don't have that blend of [gelato, milkshakes, cookies] together in town."

And with Milkshake and Cookies' opening looming, Jordan said she's excited for what's to come.

"I think it's going to be a fun place that employees will love and that the community will love as well," she said.

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