Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Bakehouse Chicago LLC, doing business as The Bakehouse Chicago ("we," "our," or "The Bakehouse Chicago"), is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices.

2. What Information We Collect

A. Personal Information

When you complete forms, request services, or place orders, we collect:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Delivery address
• Business or company name, if applicable
• Special dietary preferences or requirements
• Event details and preferences

B. Order and Service Information

When you engage our catering, bakery, or custom cake services, we collect:

• Details about your order or event
• Custom cake designs and specifications
• Catering preferences and guest counts
• Delivery dates and locations
• Payment preferences and billing information
• Dietary restrictions and allergies

C. Payment Information

When you process payments for orders or services, we collect credit/debit card information, billing information, and transaction history. Payments are processed through certified and secure payment providers.

D. SMS and Communication Information

When you opt in to receive text messages, we collect and store:

• Your phone number
• SMS consent records
• Message history sent and received
• Dates and times of communications
• Message preferences

E. Website Usage Data

We collect information about how you interact with our website, including IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages, access time and date, operating system, device information, navigation patterns, and search history.

F. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, tracking pixels, session analytics, and similar technologies to enhance your experience.

3. How We Use Your Information

A. Service Delivery

• Provide artisan bakery products and custom cakes
• Process catering and wholesale orders
• Manage coffee shop and retail operations
• Prepare custom designs and specifications
• Schedule deliveries and events
• Prepare estimates and quotes

B. Communication and Customer Service

• Respond to your inquiries and concerns
• Confirm orders and reservations
• Provide order updates and delivery notifications
• Send invoices and receipts
• Provide customer support

C. SMS Messages

When you have provided explicit consent, we may send order confirmations, status updates, delivery notifications, pickup or delivery reminders, custom cake progress updates, catering event details, promotional offers, event reminders, responses to inquiries, and follow-up communications regarding previously requested services.

D. Service Improvement

• Analyze how you use our website and services
• Improve the user experience
• Personalize content and recommendations
• Develop new services and offerings

E. Marketing and Promotional Communications

We may send newsletters about new products and menu items, communications about special offers and seasonal promotions, event invitations, catering announcements, customer feedback surveys, and invitations to tastings or special events.

F. Legal Compliance

We use information to comply with tax and legal obligations, protect our rights and interests, enforce our Terms and Conditions, and respond to legal requests or court orders.

4. SMS Information and Consent Protection

A. SMS Consent

When you provide your phone number and consent to receive SMS messages from The Bakehouse Chicago, your number and SMS data are used exclusively for direct communications from The Bakehouse Chicago. This information is not sold, rented, or shared with third parties for external marketing. SMS data is only shared with certified service providers who assist in sending messages and are contractually obligated to protect your information.

B. Message Frequency and Data Rates

Message frequency varies based on your order activity and engagement with us. Message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier's plan.

C. How to Stop Receiving SMS Messages

You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying "STOP" to any SMS message from The Bakehouse Chicago. You will receive confirmation of your opt-out request and will no longer receive text messages from us. You may reactivate SMS messages at any time by replying "START".

D. For Help or Support

For help or information about our SMS program, reply "HELP" to any SMS message from The Bakehouse Chicago, or text or call +1 (312) 626-7744.

E. Support Contact Information

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including data encryption in transit (SSL/TLS), secure servers with restricted access, firewalls and intrusion detection systems, regular encrypted backups, and data access policies based on need-to-know.

However, no online security system is completely foolproof. By using our website and services, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with digital data transmission.

6. Sharing Your Information

A. What We Do Not Do

SMS consent is not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for external marketing purposes.

B. When We Share Information

We may share your information with service providers, event professionals, and legal authorities when appropriate and permitted or required.

• Service providers such as payment processors, SMS providers, web hosting and servers, email service providers, and delivery and logistics partners.
• Event professionals such as photographers, videographers, event planners, coordinators, or catering partners, only when authorized or necessary for your order.
• Legal requirements, including compliance with law, government authority, tax obligations, or protection of our legal rights and interests.

All of the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to provide you with our services, comply with legal and tax obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

For SMS consent records, we maintain this data in compliance with telecommunications regulations. You may request deletion of your data by contacting us at info@thebakehousechicago.com.

8. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
• Opt out of receiving marketing communications or SMS messages
• Withdraw consent for specific data processing activities
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@thebakehousechicago.com.

9. Age Requirement

The Bakehouse Chicago services are intended for individuals 18 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences and login information, analyze website traffic and user behavior, provide targeted content and advertising, and enhance your overall experience.

You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect certain website functionalities.

11. Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites and resources. The Bakehouse Chicago is not responsible for the content, accuracy, privacy practices, or policies of third-party websites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing your information.

12. International Data Transfers

If you access our services from outside the United States, your information may be transferred, stored, and processed in the United States, where our servers are located. By using our services, you consent to this international processing of your data.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal obligations. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website and services after these updates constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact and Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us:

Response Time: We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 business days.

15. Links to Terms and Conditions

Your use of our services is also governed by our Terms and Conditions, available at https://thebakehousechicago.com/terms-and-conditions/.