Made in Alaska: Illusions Food Company

Local sugar shack feeds the community's sweet tooth

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By Janessa Webb
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Story Created: Aug 9, 2012 at 4:53 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 9, 2012 at 7:08 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - From savory cinnamon buns, to delectable cookies, one thing is for sure – treats from Illusions Food Company have nothing healthy about them and it’s guaranteed to take ten years off your life.

This one-time owner of a chain of wholesome subs, known as the Pickle Barrel, has traded in po-boys for specialty sweets.

"Instead of six million customers I have about fifty or sixty and they're all small business owners like myself," said owner Dave Walker.

The business prides itself on strictly wholesome and natural products, all made from scratch.

Walker said they don't use any preservatives or anything other than what comes in the product.

The bakery strictly relies on the word of mouth, they have no web page, Facebook or Twitter account.

Not only is this sugar shack satisfying a sweet tooth, Illusions has teamed up with the ARC of Anchorage to hire employees with disabilities.

"Working at the bakery is a sustainable job because it's happening in Alaska. It's giving a person an opportunity to be gainfully employed, competitively employed in the community and earn[ing] money just like the rest of us," said Gwen Lee, of the ARC of Anchorage.

Those counting calories shouldn't expect to pick up a light option here. This Alaska taste of perfection has baking down to a science.
 
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