We met over 5 years ago in South Florida where we are both originally from, and we both have a passion for being in the service industry. Kevin, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with over 10 years as a professional chef, including an internship at Chicago’s own Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant and formerly the Sous Chef at Driftwood in Boynton Beach FL; and Danielle, a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton Florida with a career managing luxury retail stores such as Vince and formerly AllSaints in downtown Chicago, are proud to open Northside Cutlery.
We packed up our lives in sunny Florida and decided to move to the beautiful city of Chicago to further our careers. Our timing was impeccable as two days after getting to the city, Chicago shut down from the pandemic. I took up delivery driving at Domino’s to pay the bills but I saw it as a great way to learn about our neighborhood. I missed being in a kitchen and cooking and so to keep my mind sharp, I did just that, sharpened knives. What started out as a small post on the Ravenswood Neighborhood Facebook Page turned into a website and business cards. Working out of a small studio apartment was difficult to say the least and as the business grew, we knew we needed to open up a shop. It also let us carry the amazing locally made goods we carry from local leather workers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, artists and artisans. While I don’t cook professionally anymore, I’m extremely happy and proud that I get to stay in touch with an industry that shaped my career. We want to give back to our community and support as local as we can.
Come into the store and find me sharpening at a vintage 1940’s Chicago workbench that was locally restored, or chat with Danielle who runs our retail side and marketing as the Director of Operations.
