What is your position in the coffee industry?

barista, coffee shop owner, coffee roaster, entrepreneur

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

Chicago, Illinois US

How many years have you been in the industry?

18

If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?

maybe

Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.

Bourgeois Pig Cafe, est. 1993: an old world cafe in Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, branching into roasting in-house very soon. Full line of espresso drinks, drip, and soon offering single pour-over, about 100 loose leaf teas served to order, baked goods made in-house, antique decor in an 1890's Chicago rowhouse (actually soon to be 2 rowhouses, side by side)...great patio too!

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

Anywhere in Europe, I spent about 6 months backpacking and train spotting all over Europe after college and am jonesing to get back soon! Would love to explore Canada as well! Like to see a few islands...actually any travel is good travel!

About Me:

Opened The Pig in 1993 after working in the food industry for at least 10 years, mostly as a waiter, but also in a couple cafes. Got a degree in business from Arizona State University, currently married and have 2 young lassies that are the lights of my life, speak a few languages, am currently learning to play the bagpipes with an old pipe band in Chicago, love metal detecting and history in general, partake in medieval armored combat with the S.C.A. (though only rarely now...hope to change that).

About My Company:

I opened The Pig in 1993 from scratch serving just coffee & tea drinks; then a few years later added sandwiches, salads & soup and moved a few doors east to current site. Now, we are expanding into the building next door, as a seperate business, and will be separating the coffee & tea operation from the food operation, although each can be ordered from the other. It's gonna be great I promise!

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

Watching people relax and enjoy their escape in my shop.

Website:

http://www.bpigcafe.com