CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Martwick joined community leaders on Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake’s expanded facility.

“Eli’s Cheesecake is one of the largest specialty cheesecake and dessert companies in the country,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Seeing this third-generation family-owned business expand their legacy speaks to the continued economic growth of our communities.”

The $10 million investment and expanded facility — which is the company’s first expansion in almost 30 years — will create at least 50 new local jobs. The expansion nearly doubles the size of the bakery, allowing for increased bakery operations, including additional production and packaging lines, warehousing and welfare areas. The facility also includes Eli’s Corporate Offices and the Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery Café.

Eli’s Cheesecake is also collaborating with Wright College, which received a Job Training and Economic Development Grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Through the partnership, Eli’s provides opportunities for students with disabilities from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences and Vaughn Occupational High School to work at Eli’s Cheesecake and develop critical skills to support economic independence.

“This expansion builds on Illinois’ global reputation as a leader in the food production industry,” said Martwick. “This is a prime example of how we thrive in this industry through our commitment to support our local institutions and cultivate our workforce.”