For over a decade, Jenny McCoy, also known as the Queen of Tarts, has been serving smiles across the nation with her innovative approach to nostalgic American pastries and desserts. This winter, McCoy will bring her delicious, all-American offerings to Wilmette with the opening of Buck Russell’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop. A part of Ballyhoo Hospitality, Buck’s represents the neighborhood-focused group’s third new concept on the North Shore in the last two years, following Sophia Steak and Pomeroy.
“We are excited to partner with Jenny at Buck Russell’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop,” says Ballyhoo Hospitality Founder, Ryan O’Donnell. “She is a tremendous fit for the concept because of her impressive background, unique approach, and determination to put Buck Russell’s on the map as the best bakery and sandwich shop in the Chicagoland area.”
Before joining Buck Russell’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop as both Pastry Chef and Managing Partner, McCoy cut her chops at some of the country’s top restaurants, including Emeril’s, Charlie Trotter’s, Blackbird, Craft and A Voce. In September of 2011, ten years after Craft opened, she helped the restaurant earn its second three-star review from The New York Times. McCoy was also awarded the 2011 NYC Rising Star Pastry Chef Award from Star Chefs and is the author of two cookbooks, “Modern Eclairs” and “Desserts For Every Season.”
“After the last two years we’ve had, the world can certainly use more joy. I’m excited to bring that to the community through desserts,” says Jenny McCoy. “There are few things that can bring a giant smile to someone’s face, like eating a delicious cupcake or a comforting sandwich. We’re offering the North Shore a one-of-a-kind destination and want to make Buck Russell’s a household name—perfect for kids themselves and adults of any age.”
The bakery will feature classic American baked goods with modern twists, like freshly-baked sticky buns, cupcakes, and old-fashioned icebox cakes. The sandwich shop will showcase a dozen classic and original sandwiches, served on house-baked bread. The shop will also have a “Lil’ Bucks” menu, perfect for kids gathering after school or grabbing an early take-out dinner before a sports game. Designed by O’Donnell, the shop’s interior is a modern nod to the classic American diner, featuring a retro blue and white lunch counter with stools, vintage wallpaper, Pullman style booths, chrome accents, schoolhouse-style pendant lighting, and warm wood floors.
Located at 1137 Greenleaf Ave in downtown Wilmette, Buck Russell’s aims to be a one-stop-shop for the neighborhood for breakfast, lunch, and catering. Additionally, its location near the Metra and beaches makes it perfect for commuters as part of their morning coffee, breakfast-on-the-go routine, or pick up sandwiches and cookies before picnicking at one of the North Shore’s best beaches.
