Eli's Cheesecake Company

The Eli’s Cheesecake Company has a strong desire to make whatever difference they can in the community. This desire started with Eli Schulman himself with his great generosity and charity to those in need and has lead the way to what has become a tradition of charitable giving at Eli’s Cheesecake. Econ Illinois has benefitted from that generosity.

In 2001, Marc Schulman, President and CEO of Eli’s Cheesecake Company, joined the Econ Illinois Governing Board. Through his leadership, Eli’s was there when Econ Illinois celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2001 and again at the 2010 annual Economic Educators Conference, to help promote the 2011 conference, which will be held in Chicago in October. Nothing says "Welcome to Chicago" better than a slice of Eli’s cheesecake!

While it is Chicago-based, Eli’s cheesecake is known – and shipped – around the world. Their corporate office, bakery, retail store and dessert café are located on the northwest side of Chicago, where guests can tour, view a video of their operations, and get a taste of their delicious cheesecake. As their website notes, “Cheesecake. Not a bad way to bond. And like friends who sit down with a couple of slices, this is the place where we get to know each other better.”

The Eli’s story started with a local eatery. In 1940, Eli's Ogden Huddle opened. Then, in 1962, Eli's Stage Door Deli opened as the new hot spot on Oak Street in downtown Chicago, quickly becoming the favorite haunt for entertainers such as Barbara Streisand. In 1966, "Eli's the Place for Steak" opened. Everyone, including well-knowns Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Gayle Sayers, began to make Eli's their Place for Steak.

In 1977, at the suggestion of a customer, Eli Schulman developed a signature dessert for his restaurant, and Eli’s Cheesecake was born. In 1980, Eli’s Cheesecake made its debut with the public at the first Taste of Chicago. This year, Eli’s and Taste will celebrate their 31st birthdays by serving up a giant 2,000 pound Eli’s birthday cheesecake.

Eli’s Cheesecake Company has become a tradition in Chicago, both as a tasty place to visit and as a company that gives back to the community. Econ Illinois is pleased to be associated with Eli’s. This year, Econ Illinois will recognize Marc Schulman for ten years of service to the Econ Illinois Governing Board.