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“Never
Miss It”
Phil Vettel, Chicago Tribune
“Like Thanksgiving Everyday”
Check Please, WTTW Channel
“A Must Visit Chicago Restaurant”
Ebony Magazine
“Top Ten Restaurant in Chicago”
James Ward, ABC Food Critic
“Three Forks”
Chicago Tribune
“BJ’s Puts Hospitality on a
Plate”
Chicago-Sun-Times
“Soul Satisfying”
Chicago Magazine
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Newsroom
John Meyer's Biography
BJ’s Market & Bakery
8734 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60617
(773)374-4700
(773)374-9200 Fax
Email: info@bjsmarket.com |
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John Meyer, Chef/Owner
of BJ’s Market & Bakery, graduated
from Chicago State
University in 1987 with a Bachelor’s
Degree in Marketing. He enrolled in the Culinary
Arts Program at Washburne Trade School in
Chicago where he was classically trained
in French-American cuisine. While in chef’s
school, John volunteered his time and
resources to a senior respite care facility.
He purchased food and supplies and prepared
meals for the facility’s residents and
families. After graduation, he worked at the
prestigious University Club of Chicago to
hone his culinary skills. After gaining
invaluable experience at The University Club,
Chef Meyer committed himself to
opening a white tablecloth restaurant on Chicago’s
South Side. Established in 1992,
The Retreat Restaurant was housed in a renovated
Victorian mansion in the historical
Pullman area. Its vast popularity was attributed
to delicious fare (ranging from classical
French to traditional American cuisine), fine
service and elegant atmosphere.
John operated The Retreat Restaurant for seven
years.
In his continued quest to provide quality
food service establishments to his community,
John’s second venture combined an upscale
atmosphere, comfort food, and great customer
service. The result was BJ’s Market
& Bakery. Opened in May 1997, BJ’s
Market has been acclaimed by several food
critics and was named one of the “Top
Ten Restaurants in Chicago” by WLS-TV
food critic James Ward. Since opening, BJ’s
Market has increased its services to include
catering and delivery. In December 2001, BJ’s
Market & Bakery opened a second location
at 9645 South Western Avenue. A third location
at 79th and Racine opened in July 2004.
In the summer of 2006, BJ’s Market &
Bakery participated in The Taste of Chicago
(Chicago’s preeminent summer festival)
for the eighth time. John’s future plans
include opening BJ’s Market & Bakeries throughout
the Chicagoland area, providing franchising
opportunities throughout the United States,
and opening a food production facility to
support satellite operations.
John’s professional experience includes:
Original Forty Club of Chicago Member
Illinois Restaurant Association Board
of Directors
Illinois Restaurant Association Advisory
Council
Chicago State University Alumni Board
of Directors
YMCA Board of Directors
Culinary Arts Project for Chicago
Public Schools Mentor
Culinary Arts for Chicago City Colleges
Advisory Board
John enjoys serving his community, striving
to improve his entrepreneurial ventures, and
spending time with his wife, Hope, and two
children.
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