Welcome to SCC! I am the owner and baker, Brooke Maske. Originally from a village near Vandalia IL., I have lived in Granite City for nine years. I have been mastering the art of cheesecakery for over five years out of my home. The potential business growth was more than my humble house could handle, so I decided to "Go Big". My love of baked goods, reading, soulful coffee shops, family gatherings, and all things community guided my vision. So, I put together a business plan that could include all of these aspects for myself, and my community.

Building a business in the midst of covid and a “recession”, has been beyond anything I could have possibly imagined. The hoops I’ve had to jump through, mountains I’ve climbed, and stress that devoured me.. brought on a lot of self doubt, not to mention loss of sleep! (blood, sweat and tears are quite the understatement) This experience has molded me into a different version of what I was previously. I prayed every day for strength and perseverance to get me through the hard times. Now, I’m finally ready to open my doors and share my dream with you all!

Let’s go on a quick tour of the lounge!

As you enter the shop, you will be amazed by the decor & furniture (just trust me). Once you take it all in, walking past the very cozy seating lounge, you’re lead to the exquisite espresso bar, featuring the highest quality (locally roasted) Goshen coffee beans. We use Goshen beans in all of our processes; espresso, drip, cold brew, and we also have beans for sale as well! - for more info on them go to www.goshenbeans.com

We use Skinny Syrups in all of our lattes, cold brews, and energy fresher drinks. We also have bottles for sale as well! (DaVinici sugar syrups available upon request!)

Along with the coffee bar, you will be entranced by a large case displaying specialty cheesecakes at varying sizes & flavors! 10 different flavors of minis, 10 different flavors of tins (including some GF & protein), 6 different flavors of slices, and small/large whole cheesecakes for walk-ins. We also offer daily baked goods like cinnamon rolls, muffins, turnovers, brownies, gooey butter bars, cookies, cannolis, banana pudding, and few gf options!
At the bar, you will notice a drive-through window for my mommas on the go! (also a fountain soda machine featuring nugget ice & Excel (SKI) products!!!
Near the window, you will see a wall featuring the very best organic health & wellness products: Rowe Casa Organics. I’m obsessed with Jill’s products, I use nearly every single one of them. Please go to www.rowecasaorganics.com for more info!!

Strolling over to the other end of the bar, we have a grab-n-go cooler full of breakfast, lunch, Excel sodas, and Alani Nu energy drinks. Oh! There’s a wall of Alani Nu cases available for purchase! WOW.
Adjacent to the bar, there is a gift shop room with a LOT of unique products for your last minute gifts! Gift bags & paper available as well… WOW.

Oh.. Holy Moly! What is this brand new huge room?!?!? With a beautiful covered cedar patio!!!??
After moving over an hour away from my friends & family, my appreciation has deepened for any event with loved ones! Which is why I added the private party room, “A Quaint Soirée”. This room seats 36 people, it features a kitchenette, buffet bar, dry bar, & access to the outside covered patio, which seats about 15. It is available for rent during the week and weekend! Please call for availability!!

*that concludes the tour! do NOT forget to visit the restrooms, again.. just trust me!

I have many people that I’m eternally grateful for that have been with me throughout this entire process, no matter what.. (ft. my stubbornness, some mood swings, meltdowns, depression, anxiety, and lots of road trip adventures!) Seriously, the road was literally made of speed bumps. NOTHING would have been possible without Phil & Tammy Maske (mom & dad). They went above and beyond for me, I could never thank them enough. A special recognition to my best friend Justin Roehr! Without his relentless support, time, energy, love for my vision, and connections within the community, I’m not sure that I would have ever been able to open! A big shout out to Pioneer Industrial Corp., if not for my bosses encouraging me to start my own business, being my Guinea pigs, allowing me to take off work, and then allowing me to “work from home”, SCC wouldn’t exist. Last but certainly not least, my incredibly patient, loyal customers! If not for your support, I wouldn’t have ever needed to “Go Big”.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!! I hope you all enjoy Steel City Cheesecakes & Coffee Lounge!