The real reason for Piece-A-Cake Bakery's closing

First, let's dispel some rumors about the closing of the Piece-A-Cake Bakery in East Dundee.

Kane County Health Department officials did not shut it down because of unsanitary conditions.

Also, the owner of the building that houses the North River Street bakery is not evicting bakers Roger and Diane Ahrens because of non payment of rent.

Secondly, let's talk about why the business is temporarily not producing cakes, pies and cookies which it has been for 16 years.

"It's a tax matter," Roger explained. "It is due to the unfamiliarity with the rules of the Illinois Department of Revenue. We owe in the neighborhood of $15,000."

Last year while doctors were treating a cancerous tumor on Roger Ahrens' adrenaline gland, sales and employee income tax payments were not made and the financial problems started.

Thirdly, those problems are temporary, he said.

Solutions are being sought. One of them may be the selling of the couple's Gilberts store on Route 72. It has been open for two years. The East Dundee store has been in business longer and has become an important part of the community. Customers from the Fox Valley, Barrington and even Chicago has enjoyed confections made for school, retirement and holiday parties, weddings and funerals.

The East Dundee store is not up for sale.

"We're temporarily closed and we're praying for a financial angel for a solution," he said. "We are taking steps to make sure this never happens again."

That may come in a month: it may come in two months, but he and his wife are certain it will come. And when it does, they will be back in business and their seven employees will be back at work.

Until then, sales have stopped, but Operation Sweettooth has not. No money changes hands when the Ahrenses bake cookies and Rice Krispie treats for U.S. military men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donations are taken for shipping costs, and treats are made for free.

The Ahrenses are both retired U.S. Marines and know what it takes to put up a good fight: a battle plan and support from the troops. Roger said they have both.

"We have people coming in and wanting to know what what's going on," he said. "People in the community have been very supportive. I know we are going to get through this.

"I can't say when it will be cleared up; but, we'll be open again."