Our Story
Del Sur is more than just a bakery—it’s a space for growth, connection, and flavors of home.
Del Sur began with a simple yet bold idea: to bring the flavors of the Philippines and the heart of the Midwest together in one space.
Owner and Pastry Chef Justin Tiu Lerias had always dreamed of opening a bakery, but it wasn’t until he began hosting pop-ups at Side Practice Coffee that things really took off.
The pop-ups quickly gained traction, and soon, Del Sur Bakery was selling out at every pop up across Chicago. Word spread like wildfire, and the community that fell in love with his pastries became his strongest supporters. It was their encouragement and belief in his vision that pushed him to take the next big step: opening a brick-and-mortar bakery in Lincoln Square.
The road wasn’t easy. There were many late nights, countless hours spent perfecting recipes, and moments of doubt, but the community never wavered. They rallied behind Lerias, helping him raise the funds he needed to bring his dream to life. Del Sur became not just a bakery, but a testament to the power of connection, love, and shared experiences.
Now, as he watches customers walk through the doors, Lerias feels a deep sense of gratitude. Del Sur wasn’t just built on dough and sugar—it was built on the foundation of a community that helped him bring his vision to life. His hope for the bakery is that it becomes a true gathering space, where people from all walks of life could bond over good food and celebrate their shared humanity—a place where the warmth of the oven would mirror the warmth of the people it served.
Our Story
Del Sur began with a simple yet bold idea: to bring the flavors of the Philippines and the heart of the Midwest together in one space.
Owner and Pastry Chef Justin Tiu Lerias had always dreamed of opening a bakery, but it wasn’t until he began hosting pop-ups at Side Practice Coffee that things really took off.
The pop-ups quickly gained traction, and soon, Del Sur Bakery was selling out at every pop up across Chicago. Word spread like wildfire, and the community that fell in love with his pastries became his strongest supporters. It was their encouragement and belief in his vision that pushed him to take the next big step: opening a brick-and-mortar bakery in Lincoln Square.
The road wasn’t easy. There were many late nights, countless hours spent perfecting recipes, and moments of doubt, but the community never wavered. They rallied behind Lerias, helping him raise the funds he needed to bring his dream to life. Del Sur became not just a bakery, but a testament to the power of connection, love, and shared experiences.
Now, as he watches customers walk through the doors, Lerias feels a deep sense of gratitude. Del Sur wasn’t just built on dough and sugar—it was built on the foundation of a community that helped him bring his vision to life. His hope for the bakery is that it becomes a true gathering space, where people from all walks of life could bond over good food and celebrate their shared humanity—a place where the warmth of the oven would mirror the warmth of the people it served.
Del Sur is more than just a bakery—it’s a space for growth, connection, and flavors of home.
Our Mission
Our mission is to craft exceptional Filipino-Midwestern baked goods while fostering a workplace that champions progressive, ethical change in the food industry. We are committed to creating a sanctuary for our employees—empowering them through transparency, personal growth, and a collaborative work environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
By prioritizing well-being, inclusivity, and respect, we aim to create a culture that not only values the people who make our bakery thrive, but also consistently delivers a warm and exceptional experience for our customers. We believe in the power of food to connect, heal, and uplift, and we give back to our community with a focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Our Mission
Our mission is to craft exceptional Filipino-Midwestern baked goods while fostering a workplace that champions progressive, ethical change in the food industry. We are committed to creating a sanctuary for our employees—empowering them through transparency, personal growth, and a collaborative work environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
By prioritizing well-being, inclusivity, and respect, we aim to create a culture that not only values the people who make our bakery thrive, but also consistently delivers a warm and exceptional experience for our customers. We believe in the power of food to connect, heal, and uplift, and we give back to our community with a focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Our Values
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We honor the traditions of Filipino baking while also embracing innovation and creativity. Our baked goods reflect the flavors, stories, and spirit of both the Philippines and the Midwest, bringing together the best of both worlds.
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Giving back to our community is at the heart of everything we do. We actively engage in local initiatives, support charitable causes, and use our platform to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
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We are committed to being a leader in ethical business practices, advocating for fair labor standards, sustainability, and transparency in all aspects of our operations. We believe in continuous progress to ensure our bakery aligns with values of justice, equity, and inclusivity.
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We celebrate and embrace the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that shape our team and our community. At Del Sur, everyone is welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute to our shared mission.
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We value our employees as our most important asset. By providing fair wages, opportunities for advancement, and a work environment that nurtures growth, creativity, and well-being, we create a team that thrives together.
-
We recognize that happy, healthy employees are the key to a thriving bakery. We prioritize work-life balance, offering flexible scheduling and a supportive environment to ensure our team members can bring their best selves to work, both in and out of the kitchen.
-
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, offering a welcoming atmosphere where every visitor feels valued and cared for. We aim to delight our customers with high-quality, Filipino-inspired baked goods that represent the warmth and hospitality of both the Philippines and the Midwest.
-
We believe in using our resources wisely and reducing our environmental footprint. From sourcing ingredients responsibly to minimizing waste and implementing sustainable packaging, we are committed to a greener future for both our industry and our planet.
Our Values
-
We honor the traditions of Filipino baking while also embracing innovation and creativity. Our baked goods reflect the flavors, stories, and spirit of both the Philippines and the Midwest, bringing together the best of both worlds.
-
Giving back to our community is at the heart of everything we do. We actively engage in local initiatives, support charitable causes, and use our platform to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
-
We are committed to being a leader in ethical business practices, advocating for fair labor standards, sustainability, and transparency in all aspects of our operations. We believe in continuous progress to ensure our bakery aligns with values of justice, equity, and inclusivity.
-
We celebrate and embrace the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that shape our team and our community. At Del Sur, everyone is welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute to our shared mission.
-
We value our employees as our most important asset. By providing fair wages, opportunities for advancement, and a work environment that nurtures growth, creativity, and well-being, we create a team that thrives together.
-
We recognize that happy, healthy employees are the key to a thriving bakery. We prioritize work-life balance, offering flexible scheduling and a supportive environment to ensure our team members can bring their best selves to work, both in and out of the kitchen.
-
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, offering a welcoming atmosphere where every visitor feels valued and cared for. We aim to delight our customers with high-quality, Filipino-inspired baked goods that represent the warmth and hospitality of both the Philippines and the Midwest.
-
We believe in using our resources wisely and reducing our environmental footprint. From sourcing ingredients responsibly to minimizing waste and implementing sustainable packaging, we are committed to a greener future for both our industry and our planet.