Meet Amy Mackiewicz and Wayne Sydni of Ivy’s Bohemia House in Chesterton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Mackiewicz and Wayne Sydni.

Amy grew up surrounded by family who frequently engaged in gatherings revolving around a collective of amazing food prepared by three generations male and female. From baking cookies and pies with her mother and grandmother, to making homemade Polish sausage and baking bread with her father. After graduating from Purdue University, she attended Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. She spent the next 10 years in Portland making pastries. Upon moving back to Indiana, she started a small word of mouth catering and private chef service that grew quickly. Wayne joined forces with Amy continuing to grow the businesses. And they started a line of pasta sauces, salsas, hot sauces dressings and dips which they marketed at the local European market. Quickly gaining popularity amongst locals and tourists alike, it acted as fuel to the catering fire. We were actually on our way to a catering event when we saw the “for rent” sign on our building. We instantly knew it was time to take a leap of faith.

Originally, we planned on a small cafe/deli style restaurant that we would man ourselves. Little did we know our amazing customers were going to be so abundant and supportive. So we actually listened to what the customers wanted and let the restaurant develop into what it has become today. Which I have to say is a pretty darn cool place if I do say so myself.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Very funny, anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows that smooth roads and restaurants do not coexist. Every day is a new challenge, especially when you are hands on. There are hundreds of decisions made every day. Sometimes you decide wrong. That sucks… but it is what it is, you just have to learn from your mistakes and keep going there is no time to dwell on negative issues just fix them and move on. Don’t worry there will be another crisis soon enough…

Ivy’s Bohemia House – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Home cooking, fresh, local, honest, hearty, healthy home cooking. Keeping our ingredients as pure and simple as possible. We can’t just cook one style food, some days I feel sassy so I cook spicy, some days I’m quiet so let’s make a stew or some comfort food. If it’s hot let’s have cold soup if it’s cold make it hot and hearty. There is no one culture of food that rules our kitchen. There’s way too many amazing ingredients out there not to do at least some sort of experimenting. There’s really only one rule, keep it fresh and have fun. If you love what you’re doing, the love will come through in the end product. And I love to cook.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I know a lot of people will pooh pooh me for this but I don’t think success is measured by the amount of money you accumulate. I’m sure it’s nice to be able to have nice things and not worry about bills, but there is certainly more to it than that. I think if you create an environment where your clientele and employees feels welcome, comfortable, appreciated, and respected you in return gain respect from those around you. To be respected by others and known in your community as a good honest person who works hard at something they love in order to share that with others and in turn is thankful and appreciative for what they have makes you a successful person.

Contact Info:

• Address: Ivy’s Bohemia House
  321 Broadway,
  Chesterton, IN 46304
• Website: Ivysbohemiahouse.com
• Phone: 219-929-4319
• Email: Ivysbohemiahouse@gmail.com
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