MADE is a paid partnership with Little Lake County.
Welcome to MADE in Lake County! MADE introduces you to the people and stories behind local Lake County businesses. Today it is our pleasure to introduce you to Lori Jozwiak. Lori is the Owner of Lauretta’s in Mundelein, a delicious Italian Café.
Lori Jozwiak of Lauretta’s Mundelein
What was the catalyst that started your business?
There wasn’t a particular catalyst, but that my upbringing in the family restaurant business made it natural for me to continue in this line of business. You grew up around a lot of food, whether it was prepared late at night by your dad after he returned home from the restaurant or among family at gatherings. I worked in the kitchen at Two Guys when I wasn’t waiting tables or hostessing. Running your own business was just the natural progression.
Has it been difficult to get your business up and running, while being a mom, managing a household?
Running the business and being a mom is very challenging. I knew going into it the risk I was taking because we barely ever saw my dad growing up due to his long hours. My husband works from home, and this is the only way we can make this possible, so my children always have one of us available. My mom also lives down the street and helps out sometimes.
What is the best thing about your job?
By far, the best thing is working up new menu ideas, and seeing the reaction of our guests when they love it! It’s very satisfying.
What do you do to recharge?
My family and I love going camping but in the winter just spending time at home and relaxing is just what I need.
What is your inspiration?
My father is my inspiration, he has been doing this for 36 years now, and still to this day, he has a passion for cooking, and for people!
What is the most important thing you want our readers to know?
We are a small business with strong family values and work extremely hard for our guests. We treat everyone like family, and your satisfaction is the most important thing to us.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
By far the most challenging part of my business is the amount of hours I put in a week. I try to find balance, but it’s hard. I know my kids understand it takes hard work and they are so proud of the restaurant too.
How long have you been in business?
4 years. We started up the street but quickly outgrew that location. We began just serving breakfast and lunch, then added dinner and obtained our liquor license; it just grew and grew.
How difficult was it to get your business up and running while still caring for your child and other responsibilities?
Absolutely, there are never enough hours in a day. And as the children are getting older they are much more involved now. So needless to stay, I need to get pretty creative in my scheduling.
Lauretta’s Italian Café and Bake Shop is a 30-seat adorable restaurant and bakery that is filled with beautiful food, wonderful people, and small touches like hand-painted tables that add unbelievable character. The whole place is filled with love and passion for people and food.
Lauretta’s
709 A Lake Street, Mundelein, IL 60060 | (847) 566-0883
Lauretta’s on Facebook
Cheryl is an aspiring writer from Mundelein. You can now follow her on her author journey on Amazon.
Get a copy of her first book, Letter’s to my Children, available on Kindle now.
Disclosure: Lauretta’s, is our featured Business of the Month. This series is part of a paid promotion partnership with Little Lake County. All thoughts and opinions belong to the writer of the story. If you are interested in featuring your own locally-owned business in our series please contact us.
Sounds yummy! I’ll have to check it out sometime.
oh. a couple of the paninis sound really good. I have yet to meet an eggplant parm sandwich that matches one of my old aunts in the southern suburbs. Lets give it a try! (also the tuna melt looks yummy)
Can’t wait to try it!!!! Thanks!