by Kelly Pollock, feature writer for the Buzz Cafe
This month, The Buzz is turning the spotlight on ourselves to highlight the fabulous managers of Buzz Café. Read on to find out what their favorite menu items are, where they shop in the Arts District, and what they do when they’re not working. (And they seriously work a lot!)
Name: Alana LeBeau
Job Title: General Manager
How long have you worked at Buzz Café? 19 years
What is your favorite Buzz Café menu item? Straight from the menu, it’s bacon and pancakes. But, I don’t eat anything exactly how it comes on the menu anymore. I make up my own creations now!
What is your favorite Oak Park Arts District business? Unfortunately, I don’t get to enjoy the shops along Harrison anymore since I always have to drive straight home because of my kids. In my earlier life, though, I used to make jewelry as a hobby, so I’d say Bead in Hand.
What did you do to keep busy during lockdown? WORK. I’ve been working full-time outside the home since last March and would actually LOVE a break. It’s been quite stressful.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? I still play the “original” Civilization game on a PC.
Recommend a book you’ve recently read, a movie you’ve recently watched, or a show you’ve recently binged.
I don’t have much free time and don’t read or watch anything. Seriously. I play video games to wind down (Mario Party 6 in da house!). The last movie I saw was “The Christmas Chronicles 2” on TV with my boys.
Would You Rather?
Have a cat or a dog? CAT!!!
Take a beach vacation or a mountain vacation? Beach vacation
Cook or clean? NEITHER
Write in a journal or talk with a friend? Talk with a friend OF COURSE!
Play an instrument or speak another language? Can’t do either, but would love to do both!
Draw a picture or ride a bike? Draw a picture
Name: Brian Thompson
Job Title: Kitchen Manager
How long have you worked at Buzz Café? 8 years
What is your favorite Buzz Café menu item? Apple Pie with Oat Crumb Top
What is your favorite Oak Park Arts District business? The Brown Elephant
What did you do to keep busy during lockdown? I worked.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? My diverse musical background.
Recommend a book you’ve recently read, a movie you’ve recently watched, or a show you’ve recently binged.
Book: Lion Heart by Elizabeth LaShaun, Movie: Tom & Jerry, Show: The Resident
Would You Rather?
Have a cat or a dog? DOG
Take a beach vacation or a mountain vacation? Beach vacation
Cook or clean? Both
Write in a journal or talk with a friend? Write in a journal
Play an instrument or speak another language? Both
Draw a picture or ride a bike? Both
Name: Cathy Koritz
Job Title: Bakery Manager
How long have you worked at Buzz Café? Almost 12 years
What is your favorite Buzz Café menu item? Southwestern Breakfast Wrap
What is your favorite Oak Park Arts District business? Bead in Hand
What did you do to keep busy during lockdown? Watched TV, crafted with my granddaughter, and did LOTS of cooking.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? I have a lot of experience in the medical field.
Recommend a book you’ve recently read, a movie you’ve recently watched, or a show you’ve recently binged.
I just re-watched Game of Thrones in its entirety. It’s my FAV!
Would You Rather?
Have a cat or a dog? Cat!
Take a beach vacation or a mountain vacation? Beach vacation!
Cook or clean? Definitely cook
Write in a journal or talk with a friend? Talk with a friend
Play an instrument or speak another language? Speak another language
Draw a picture or ride a bike? Ride a bike
Name: Tierra Dorsey
Job Title: Morning Manager
How long have you worked at Buzz Café? 12 years
What is your favorite Buzz Café menu item? Italian Grilled Cheese
What is your favorite Oak Park Arts District business? The Brown Elephant
What did you do to keep busy during lockdown? I worked.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? I love playing The Sims.
Recommend a book you’ve recently read, a movie you’ve recently watched, or a show you’ve recently binged.
I love the “A Twisted Tale” Disney books.
Would You Rather?
Have a cat or a dog? Dog
Take a beach vacation or a mountain vacation? Mountain vacation
Cook or clean? Cook
Write in a journal or talk with a friend? Talk with a friend
Play an instrument or speak another language? Both
Draw a picture or ride a bike? Ride a bike
Name: Julie Beland
Job Title: Night Manager/Music Manager
How long have you worked at Buzz Café? Since 2016. I started as an intern from Chicago’s Community Kitchen and was later hired.
What is your favorite Buzz Café menu item? BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza with Chips
What is your favorite Oak Park Arts District business? Chad Keast Hair
What did you do to keep busy during lockdown? I worked.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? I am an ex-felon. Buzz Café gave me a second chance in life.
Recommend a book you’ve recently read, a movie you’ve recently watched, or a show you’ve recently binged.
Show: Criminal Minds
Would You Rather?
Have a cat or a dog? Dog
Take a beach vacation or a mountain vacation? Mountain vacation
Cook or clean? Cook
Write in a journal or talk with a friend? Talk with a friend
Play an instrument or speak another language? Speak another language
Draw a picture or ride a bike? Ride a bike