To celebrate National Cheesecake Day on Saturday, July 30, as well as its 42^nd birthday, Eli’s Cheesecake has planned a week of local and national cheesecake fun.

The celebration began on Tuesday, July 26, with Eli’s breaking ground on a 42,000 square foot expansion, almost doubling the size of its current bakery. This allows for the addition of production and packaging lines, warehousing and welfare areas. After completion, Eli’s facility will be 104,000 square feet, including Eli’s Corporate Offices and the Eli’s Cheesecake Bakery Café, which is open to the public.

“Eli’s Cheesecake is known for having the best cheesecake in town for good reason,” says Chicago mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “This expansion will allow them to enhance that well-earned reputation by giving them the capacity to put out even more delicious treats and create new ones in the future. I’m excited to see Eli’s Cheesecake continue to grow their business and know this new space will provide them with many new and lucrative opportunities once completed.”

On Wednesday, July 27, Eli’s hosted Cheesecake Pong from 11 am to 2 pm CST. Guests tried to get a ball in a cup, in order to win a free cheesecake slice or other prizes.

Thursday the 28^th and Friday the 29^th will see more giveaways at the bakery. On Thursday, fans can follow Eli’s Instagram account, comment on its National Cheesecake Day Kickoff post and tag three friends to enter. A winner will be announced on Friday, July 29, and will receive an Eli’s Cheesecake every month for 12 months, beginning in August. Also, guests can enjoy free cheesecake at Eli's Cheesecake at O’Hare Airport Terminal 1 near the dinosaur (between gates B8 and B9), from 12 pm to 1 pm.

Friday is Free Cheesecake Day at Eli’s. Cheesecake will be handed out at these locations: Eli’s Cheesecake World, Eli Schulman Playground at Seneca Park/Lurie Children’s Hospital, DuSable Museum and Chicago History Museum. Also, Friday through Sunday, customers can enjoy free shipping on Eli Schulman’s Original 4 Sampler, Eli’s original flavors, all in one cheesecake: Original Plain, Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Raisin and Hawaiian.

Finally, on Saturday for National Cheesecake Day, Eli’s is offering 42 cent slices in honor of its 42^nd birthday. There will also be a decorating demo, Spin & Win and Carnival Games for discounts and prizes and a special National Cheesecake Day sale.