Conversations with the Inspiring Gabriella Lenzi Littleton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Lenzi Littleton.

Gabriella, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am 32 years old, I grew up in Wilmette, On the North Shore of Chicago. I met my husband at Regis University in Denver; he is an amazing man named Tim and we have two amazing kids — Edmund and Emma — and a golden retriever named Duke. We live in Lincoln Park and love walking around the neighborhood, popping in to Sweet Mandy B’s, the Green City Market on Saturdays, playing at the zoo or one of the many parks; we really love being in the city! My husband grew up in New Orleans, so we spend a lot of time there, and love traveling in general. I work in the restaurant business, and I’m really lucky because I work for my dad and I get to see him almost everyday!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is never a smooth road in my line of work! I saw my dad struggle as a parent through this business and I now struggle as a woman in a male-dominated business and a mom. I am so lucky because I am afforded a lot of balance by my family, but sometimes it feels like I’m never doing enough… so I do experience a lot of mom guilt as I’m sure most mothers in this industry feel. My advice for young women, especially in a new work environment or who are challenged by their job, is to always be as observant as possible. I can think of so many scenarios where I should have been more observant and it would have helped me make better choices. It also would have made me more confident while finding my problem-solving groove.

What should we know about EJ’s Place? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a 4th generation restaurateur, and I’ve been working with my family for the last four years. We own Italian Steakhouses in Chicago and the suburbs. I have worked at both Erie Cafe and EJ’s Place but I’m now full-time at EJ’s Place in Skokie. I’ve been passionate about food my whole life. I’m an avid cook and very interested in food science. My family is known for old school, Chicago-style steak with delicious Italian dishes. I don’t think I could crave any combo more! The food side of the restaurant business has always been so appealing to me, but it’s hospitality that I really love. I grew up in this business, it’s hard (!!), when you pour your heart and soul into a restaurant it becomes deeply personal. The restaurant is an extension of my parents and my home, it reminds me of how they would entertain when I was a child and how I try to as an adult. Food, and family, and home, it’s all wrapped up in our work, so we want everyone to love what we do just as much as we do. The hospitality we provide is us, and we are so proud of it.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I use a Moleskin agenda to take notes in at work, I take the notes on a dated day, so I can always go back and find them. I love Evernote for lists and just as a Pinterest of all the stuff I can’t forget. Love Pinterest for all the other stuff I want to remember, too. My favorite podcast is Malcolm Gladwell Revisionist History, it has nothing to do with my job but listening to it makes my commute wonderful and I wish his episodes were longer!! The one habit that has made my life monumentally better is putting everything in my calendar on my phone. Right away. I have to thank my husband for encouraging me to just throw everything in there since we share our calendar it’s a way of keeping our schedules on track.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ejsplaceskokie.com
• Email: gabbie@ejsplace.com
• Instagram: Gabbiechicago

Image Credit:
Neil John Burger

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