Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Schonfeld.
Joshua, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been in the restaurant business for as long as I can remember. I started off opening restaurants in the Venetian and Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas, ran a ski lodge in Vail, CO and also worked for Lettuce Entertain You for a number of years. I left the corporate world to be a part of family run businesses.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The restaurant business is not always an easy business. Every day is a unique day filled with obstacles and challenges and you must be quick on your feet to resolve issues that arise on a daily basis. I learned most of what I needed to learn from the big corporate folks which helped making venturing off on my own a smooth road when I opened my first restaurant.
Caffe Oliva – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Caffè Oliva, named for its location in Olive Park is tucked away on a beautiful part of the Chicago lakefront-allowing guests to take a “vacation” in their own backyard. Brought to you by the same team behind “The Dock”, at Montrose Beach, Caffè Oliva offers an unusual Chicago experience that’ll keep you wishing for even more Summer days. Guests can lounge on one of our beach chairs with an ice cold drink after your morning run along Lakeshore drive, grab a bite to eat after riding the ferris wheel at Navy Pier right around the corner, or come enjoy our weekly live music and dance all your troubles away. Not only is Caffè Oliva located in one of Chicago’s prime spots, offer mouthwatering Mediterranean fare and serve some mean cocktails, but our private lake view cabanas are what really make our customers’ dining experience one of a kind.
We are very proud of what Caffe Oliva has become in the past years, a very popular spot for regulars and tourists to enjoy their summer days. We are unique as we are one of the few beachfront properties that offer quality and sustainable food and beverages at reasonable pricing.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The opening of Napolita Pizzeria and Wine Bar our other location in Wilmette as authentic Neapolitan pizza is a true passion of mine.
Pricing:
- Beer/Wine and cocktails range from $5-12
- Appetizers, Sandwiches and Entrees range from $7-$22
- Open Bar packages for private parties start at $27 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: We are located at 550 E Grand Avenue, Chicago. IL 60611
- Website: www.caffeoliva.com
- Phone: 312-612-0734
- Email: info@caffeoliva.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caffe_oliva/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaffeOliva/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
