Our Purpose
La Matriz Bakery is passionate about restorative justice. We advocate for legislation that pertains to this demographic. The vision is to employ system impacted people and help them rebuild their lives as well as the community at-large.
Our Commitment
La Matriz Bakery loves to make new friends! We know that in order for our customers to become brand loyal to us, we have to be brand loyal others. Our partnerships include Dough EZ, Red Star Yeast, Clabber Girl and La Criolla, Inc. Using the best ensures that we produce the best.
Legislation Advocacy
On August 20, 1995, one day before Matthew Echevarria’s 14th birthday, then-Illinois Governor Jim Edgar signed the Truth-In-Sentencing bill into law. Edwin Martinez was four months and two days away from his 15th birthday. Chicago was being pummeled by a relentless heatwave. Two teenaged boys were too busy trying to stay cool—oblivious to a piece of legislation that would help to adversely seal their fates four years later.
In 1999, both Matthew and Edwin were wrongfully convicted or murder and given 50 year sentences. The Truth-In-Sentencing law converted those 50 years into de facto life sentences as it requires 75% to 100% of the time for murder convictions to be served. In their cases, Matthew and Edwin are required to serve a minimum 94% for parole eligibility. The law also revoked sentence credits or “good time” that would help to alleviate their sentence burdens. While Matthew is eligible for parole in 2049 at age 68, Edwin’s eligibility follows in 2050 at age 70.
The passing of Illinois House Bill 2367 is particularly important because it would end the de facto life sentences that Matthew and Edwin are serving and allow them to fight for their freedom from home instead of a cell that they never should have been in.
Hear their stories:
Edwin ( WCIU, The U | The Chicago Bakery Offering Second Chances )
Our Visibility
WCIU Chicago; 8/15/24: https://www.wciu.com/videos/wciu-other/the-chicago-bakery-offering-second-chances
ABC7 Chicago; 12/9/23: https://abc7chicago.com/greatest-baker-competition-karla-armour-la-matriz-bakery-buddy-valastro/14151769/
ABC7
Chicago; 7/23/23: https://www.abc7chicago.com/la-matriz-bakery-chicago-freeourpeople-rally-for-the-wrongfully-convicted-protest/13530446
WGN-TV
Chicago; 6/30/23: https://wgntv.com/midday-news/lunchbreak-strawberry-vinaigrette-honey-lime-lavender-dressing/
WBEZChicago;
6/28/21: https://wbez.org/stories/from-pandemic-stress-baking-to-profits-new-illinois-law-eases-restrictions-for-home-bakers/ae773bff-170b-479f-931e-384bc3457e25
WGN-TV Chicago; 9/18/18: https://wgntv.com/midday-news/lunchbreak-picadillo
Ordering
We are temporarily closed to focus HEAVILY on advocacy. We are also working on relocating the bakery to a brick-and-mortar location and other details so that we can better meet your needs. Looking forward to re-opening in 2026! Please feel free to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Your patience is appreciated.