The brainchild of Lisa Gasparian, Café Crèmerie officially opened on Thursday, March 24th. Chicagoans are invited to experience the cozy, welcoming space tucked away in the bustling neighborhood.
“Café Crèmerie was made with love, passion, and sheer tenacity,” said owner Lisa Gasparian in a statement. “When we closed our doors in 2021, I didn’t know what to expect, but the journey has been well worth the reward. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working so hard on these last few months.”
While closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Café Crèmerie was one of many businesses affected by looting during the August 2020 protests that affected the Gold Coast community. The significant damage to the café on top of the ongoing struggle the pandemic had on the restaurant industry, Lisa had to make the difficult decision to close permanently in 2021.
Picking up the pieces of what was left, Lisa began having conversations with multiple landlords working to recruit Café Crèmerie. Having been in the business for years with her pre-existing Amorino Gelato Franchise location, successfully Lisa and Café Crèmerie remain a part of the Chicago small business community. The new storefront fortunately found a home in a landmarked Friedman Property.
The Café Crèmerie menu features specialty coffee by Illy, worldly wines, artisanal Italian gelato, savory snacks, sweet treats, and more, including gluten-free options. All products are made with fresh, quality ingredients. The beverage menu will also consist of canned wines from Nomadica as well as canned cocktails.
Twelve organic rotating gelato flavors made in the Italian tradition with flavors like vanilla bean, dark chocolate, sea salt caramel, cinnamon, and pistachio as well as seasonable selections. Fruit shelled sorbettos will feature flavors based on seasonality. All gelato and sorbetto are gluten-free. Those looking for an adult pick-me-up can enjoy a shot of liquor in their treats for a boozy affogato or gelato frappe as well as the option to spike their coffee choices.
An assortment of pastries and baked goods are also available. From bombolini to macarons and petite cakes to mousses. Enjoy a variety of Coppas including Tiramisu, Raspberries & Crème, and Profiteroles. As for our savory friends, Focaccia and Margherita pizza’s are available.
New to Café Crèmerie is a retail wall designed and selected by Lisa in collaboration with Caitlin Cole Design featuring floral, gifts, and greeting cards. Wine will also be available for purchase along the retail wall with the entire selection curated by Master Sommelier Fernando Beteta, one of only 250 persons with the accreditation in the world.
“We’re honored and privileged to have partnered with Fernando for Café Crèmerie,” says Lisa. “Wine was a new addition to the café’s concept and my goal was to offer unique and reasonably priced European bottles that you probably haven’t heard of but would absolutely enjoy.”
The design of Café Crèmerie was envisioned entirely by Lisa and turned into reality through the work of Mike Shively Architecture Firm. “I wanted a cozy place that was mid-century modern and Euro-chic,” reflects Lisa, “I wanted our guests to feel as if they were invited to my own personal living room. Someplace I would love to go every day.”
Located at 615 N. State Street, the space is 1,000 square feet with 20 seats featuring bright and modern elements. Earthy tones are complemented by floral design throughout the space by Sprout Home Chicago. The storefront is 100% custom fabrication.
Café Crèmerie is located in the historic Tree Studios building at the intersection of State and Ohio Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The building opened in 1894 following the 1983 World’s Fair in an effort to encourage European artists to return to Chicago. Since then, Tree Studios continues to support Chicago’s community as a space for artists, art businesses, shops, and restaurants.
Café Crèmerie is open Tuesdays – Sundays, 11am – 9pm, and closed Mondays. Café Crèmerie offers dine-in, counter service, delivery, and carryout.
