Over the course of 2025, Sugar Fixé has transformed behind the scenes at 119 N. Marion St. in Oak Park. The first change was a set of new owners, including Jacques Shalo, who also owns Kribi Coffee.
At first Shalo managed the shop with plans to partner with a pastry chef from outside the area. When that didn’t work out, the owners reworked the plan. A few months ago, Juan Muñoz, who had been working on the wholesale side of Kribi, took over as managing owner at Sugar Fixé.
“We’re really seeing what is our place in the community,” Muñoz said. “Especially knowing how much the bakery landscape has changed since Sugar Fixé started. We’re a French patisserie, so making sure that those products are really high quality. I would put our croissants up against anybody else’s. We’re very proud of them.”
Pastry chef Emma Marvel Petergal, who has been there since 2019, agrees.
“I know we rival what you can get in Paris,” Petergal said.
Petergal is impressed with the new owners and their management philosophy.
“Juan is very hands-on, very understanding, and he’s really put a lot of heart into this place,” she said. “Everything was kind of dull with the past owner. It was just hanging on. Now, everything feels updated and fresh and I just love it.”
This sentiment was echoed by cake director, Corrie Pechan, who has been with the bakery since 2018.
“Obviously with any transition, there’s ups and downs, but I feel like we’re in a good place,” Pechan said. “It’s been really nice to see the place get a facelift and have people that seem like they care about the business.”
The interior of the shop has gotten a glow-up. Bench seating along one wall is cozier than in the past and a mauve, purple, pink color scheme is more inviting to the eye.
“It is warm and inviting and cozy. It makes you want to sit and stay,” said Meghan Luther, the front of house manager who has been with the company for 13 years.
The insides of the fresh-baked goods matter too.
“We make everything from scratch. We want to offer something that you can’t just go to the grocery store and get,” Pechan said. “Every time I’m doing a cake, a wedding tasting, they’re always like, design is fine, but we want to make sure it tastes good. Yeah, that’s the most important part. That’s why we’re here.”
Muñoz has plans for the future too.
“Looking at how can we expand more of the savory,” he said. “Still kind of staying true to what we do here, but maybe even offering something for a light lunch. So do like a soup in a croissant or soup and scone.”
They will also lean into what the location has been known for.
“Cakes has been something that we are very strong in and have a strong reputation in. Our cake director, Corey, does a phenomenal job, so having her cakes be available inside of the cases pretty much at all times,” Muñoz said. “Something that is beautiful to present and to give to somebody. To bring a cake to a party or to come in here and put a gift together for somebody for housewarming.”
Intricate entremets, macrons, tarts, iced sugar cookies, and more all fill the cases daily.
You wouldn’t be wrong if you also recognize Juan Muñoz’s name from elsewhere too. He is an elected Oak Park Township trustee. And he was recently in the news for other reasons. He was detained while protesting at the ICE facility in nearby Broadview.
“It’s difficult when you wear multiple hats,” Muñoz said. “It bleeds into other ones. I want to make sure that its consequences, whatever that might be, are not spilled over into others that did not sign up for it. With Sugar Fixé, I’ve been trying to focus on the business and the employees. They’re the ones that carry the years of experience and the love for the things that they do every day. I’m coming in and trying to put my expertise to grow the business but still keep a highlight on the actual work that is happening, day in and day out.”
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Treat Yourself:
Website: sugarfixe.com
Address: 119 Marion St., Oak Park
Hours: Sunday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday Closed
Tues–Sat 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
