Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Kalish.
Andy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Gina (spouse/partner) and I have been together since ’95 and have worked primarily as caterers. Several years back, we wanted to expand our work base and felt a restaurant would be the natural extension of what we were already doing.
The location was easy – it is two blocks from our house in the center of our neighborhood.
The concept was a bit more challenging as Gina and I had a different perspective – but we both agreed that a plant-based restaurant represented our values well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. Being in the food/restaurant business is not a smooth road traveled.
Best put, we created something that nobody was asking for in a place nobody was going. We have lived in our community for 20+ years and longed for restaurants that we could walk to, enjoy and be proud of- the same as our neighbors to the north and south. At some point, the longing turned into action and we decided to invest our resources into creating a plant-based gem that would bring our neighbors out and visitors from far & wide. We’ve done both. We have also added a pizza shop and brunch spot side by side to KĀL’ISH.
Please tell us about KĀL’ISH plant based diner.
Gina and I are the sole proprietors of KĀL’ISH.
We are a 100% plant-based diner and bakery – I believe that makes us the only one in Chicago.
Short of our fries, K-Burger buns, and a couple cheese – we make everything from scratch.
Our Burgers – the K (meaty) and G (gluten free) are so satisfying that that absence of meat is preferred.
The Clucker Crisps (our fried chicken like experience) is the most popular item on the menu – they are just terrific.
And our baked goods – we have the largest selection of absolutely delicious and decadent plant based sweets in the city.
Prior to opening KĀL’ISH, everything we had done was like something else in the marketplace – KĀL’ISH is 100% unique and is 100% awesome to be part of. The response we have gotten from our neighbors and the vegan community has been tremendous.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Knowing what I know now – I wouldn’t have opened KĀL’ISH, Gina feels differently.
Things were going just fine for us – and we had this bright idea to be different, to try and make a difference. The costs have been tremendous on our finances, time and connections to others. Fortunately, Gina is the boss and I mostly do as she says.
KĀL’ISH brings people joy. People come to us because they are hungry, lost, following doctor’s order… we nourish them with familiar foods made in new ways with ingredients they may have never had – and they love it.
What a unique thing it is to bring joy to someone. The experience validates the journey.
Pricing:
- most people spend $14-18 on a meal w/ beverage.
Contact Info:
- Address: KĀL’ISH
1313 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640 - Website: kalishvegan.com
- Phone: 773.293.7768
- Email: info@kalishvegan.com
- Instagram: @kalishvegan.com
- Facebook: @kalishvegan.com
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.
