According to a recent job post, Happier Now Cafe is set to open its doors in La Grange Park, located at 1016 E 31st Street.
“My original goal opening date has been surpassed unfortunately, but now we are close to opening our doors soon. The goal is to bring a city kind of vibe to the suburbs. I want to attract people who have moved from the city but still miss having the kind of place without TV or sports, where they can relax with beer or wine, small plates, hang out with friends, or do some work.”
“There will be coffee and tea during the day, then transition to beer and wine as the day goes on. It will be an open space, has contrasting colors, and will be a nice, clean, comfortable vibe,” the chef and owner of Happier Now Cafe, Andrea Slivka, told What Now Chicago.
“My mom and I are business partners. So, when coming to Happier Now, you will be in a locally-owned and female-owned space. I grew up here in La Grange Park, as my mom has had a house here since before I was born, so the roots for the community are deep. Even before I went to culinary school, I always thought it would be cool to open a restaurant, then I went to school and my path changed a few times.”
“Right before the pandemic, I was working for a great company with a great role. Unfortunately, I was furloughed and then later on was laid off. Due to that, I pivoted, did some soul-searching and personal chef work, and ended up doing weekly meals for different people and got a bit of a following. I found a niche for myself that moved into opening this café, where not only dine-in options will be present but also prepared meals that people can take home.”
“I have always been into craft beer and wines and being able to showcase that alongside how they can pair well. I believe that good food doesn’t have to be limited to fine dining or only in the city. I want it to be a place where anybody can come and feel comfortable. The space will be set up to make it easy for parents, as we will have a kid area, and plastic silverware for kids for ease. We want it to be comfortable for non-parents too, and anybody in between those parameters,” Slivka added.
Update: Updated photo with current logo provided by Andrea, the owner.
