My Chicago hosted by John Grafft

John Grafft (@grafftrealestate) sits down with Benjamin Pourkhalili and discusses the challenges and successes of running an independent, locally-owned fine wine, spirits, and beer retailer and how to compete with major retailers.

Cocoa + Co. Chocolate Cafe is the perfect place to celebrate gourmet chocolate in all its delicious forms, offering exceptionally crafted beverages, freshly baked pastries, a rotating selection of bonbons and confections, and an extensive collection of bean-to-bar chocolate from across the globe.

Founder Kim Hack's love for all things chocolate inspires a curated menu that sparks joy no matter what you're craving!

Dennis Burgener, AIA, NCARB, has a wealth of information and has been responsible for educating me throughout the years about design, construction, and architecture. An Illinois native with a lifetime of practice throughout the Midwest, he graduated, with honors, Master of Architecture, Double Masters program from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has been a licensed, practicing architect for more than 30 years and has received multiple residential and commercial awards. He has been featured on Homes Across America, HGTV.

Welcome to Cafecito.

Here, you can reintroduce yourself to the essence of coffee without taking away its integrity. As you sit back in a comfortable dining room, take in the sounds and aromas of Latin America. Enjoy one of their pressed sandwiches, entrees or specialty salads inspired by these culinary countries.

Cafecito takes pride in using fresh, all natural ingredients. They make sure guests can savor the true flavors of our meats and homemade marinades. Come into Cafecito and be part of the passion for coffee, food, conversation and life.

Chicago Realtor John Grafft and Rachel Harangody talk about infant fitness and what metta baby is. They offer infant water stimulation, baby massage instruction, developmental activities & education beginning at two weeks old. It is their mission to provide a solid socialization and support system for infants and their caregivers in the earliest of stages.

We sit down with Addington Gallery owner Dan Addington about curating a space for creatives.

Addington Gallery was originally founded in 1988 as Gwenda Jay Gallery. In 1981 founder Gwenda Jay moved to Chicago and became one of River North's pioneers as co-owner of Klein Gallery before opening her own space on Superior Street in 1988. Dan Addington's earliest association with the gallery began in 1993 as a represented artist. In addition to exhibiting his own art nationally, he worked as curator, assistant director, and director of various galleries in Chicago. In 1996, Dan became the Director of Gwenda Jay Gallery, and the gallery moved to it's present location on Wells St. In 1999 Addington became co-owner of the gallery, and in 2007, he became sole owner and it's name officially changed to Addington Gallery. Dan exhibits his work around the country in numerous one person and group exhibitions, teaches workshops, juries competitions, and frequently speaks to groups and classes about his experiences as both artist and gallery owner.

We sit down with Zach Witt, owner of ilumen, LLC. This solar power company was founded on the basis of educating, promoting, and deploying photovoltaic technology in the Chicagoland area, which is not typically known for large quantities of renewable energy. ilumen Solar, brings renewable energy to homes and commercial buildings in the form of attractive and long-lasting rooftop solar panels. Through their solar installation services, individual households and businesses can secure a better future for themselves and the planet. With a solar panel installation, you will reap the benefits of reducing carbon emissions, reduce utility and operational expenses, add value to the property, and gain energy independence.

We talk with Andy Pates (@isthatmyglass) about starting a spirits distribution company in Chicago. From red tape, passion, and operations, we dive deep into what's trending and why. We even drink some great vermouth.

We chat with developer Jennie Berger, Co-Owner of Property People LLC, at one of her new construction properties 2820 N Rockwell St and breakdown the business of new construction and how she got started.

Yuna Nordeen (@yunacooks) & John Grafft (@grafftrealestate) talk pizza with Derrick Tung (@pauliegeeslogansquare) of Paulie Gee's Logan Square and Wicker Park in Chicago.