Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Barat.
Daniel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Rewired came upon us as kind of a fluke. I have spent my entire career in food and beverage. Mainly focusing on upscale dining, but with great experience in essentially every type of food and beverage operation.
I had some things happen in my professional life that left me unemployed. I was cruising Facebook one day and saw this turn-key venue for lease. We went to check to out, and the opened 6 days later!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think there is such thing as a smooth road, especially in the food and beverage business. I’ll admit, I thought it would be a much easier thing to get going but there are so many little factors that you have to take into account. I think the biggest challenge for us is getting the word out that we are here.
Once we get people through the door the response seems to be great! The venue is also small (18 seats) and in an old building so there can be some mechanical issues sometimes. But nothing any other place doesn’t have to go through.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Rewired is a coffee shop. A small community focused cafe. I always tell my staff that it shouldn’t ever be more complicated than that. We focusing on serving all locally made products. (listed below)
I think the thing we pride ourselves on most is our customer service. We are by no means perfect. We mess things up; everyone does. Our goal is to recover from those mistakes the best we can and go above and beyond in every guest interaction while serving a great product.
We utilize all community partners for our products. Our coffee is roasted at the Plant on the south side by a company called Four Letter Word. Our pastries are made by the super talented Maggie O’Brien from Velvet Dessert. She owns and works out of the Lakeview Kitchen and Market.
All the art on the wall is from local artists looking to sell their work.
What were you like growing up?
If I had to describe myself in one word growing up, it would be ambitious. I always wanted more, to do the next thing, while standing on my own two feet. I never really took no for an answer.
If my mom had to describe me in “one” word it would be a smart ass, but that’s a different story.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3508 N Broadway St.
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/lakeviewrewired/
- Phone: (773) 687-9719
- Email: info@lakeviewrewired.com
- Instagram: @lakeviewrewired
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakeviewrewired/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lakeview-rewired-cafe-chicago
Image Credit:
Amy Ali Photography
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.
