The closure of Cinnaholic, Evanston’s much-beloved spot for gourmet cinnamon rolls, was rather unceremonious. Last winter, a sign on the bakery’s former storefront on 1596 Sherman Ave. announced a temporary shutdown.

Weeks went by with no return or updates. By March, I grew anxious. Where was Cinnaholic? I filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the City Clerk’s Office for Cinnaholic’s inspection records between November 2023 and March 2024. The news came a few days later: the Evanston location was gone forever, without a farewell.

Cinnaholic will be remembered for its wide array of frostings and toppings, as well as its ambitious specialty rolls. There’s no other place where you could get a cinnamon roll topped with chai frosting, fresh berries and pie crumble. Well, except for the three remaining locations in the Chicago area. But let’s be real. Who would travel that far for a cinnamon roll?

Email: jahariaknowles2025@u.northwestern.edu

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