Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez and edited by Nuha Abdessalam.

Blue Islanders Gerard and Geena Doherty are no strangers to the food industry. Starting with pop-ups in town and eventually moving up to businesses, the couple wanted to open B*U*B Cafe in the neighborhood, on 13311 Olde Western Avenue, serving coffee, sandwiches, gelato, and community-driven themed nights for locals. 

The couple originally rented out the kitchen at Rock Island Public House for the last five years around the corner to their currently owned cafe, B*U*B Cafe, which opened last February. Initially, the cafe was called ‘Butter Upon Bacon’, now trimmed to B*U*B, and has a ‘retro spooky cute vibe’ with a mid-century modern look. The building was not always a cafe. The storefront initially opened as a hardware store in 1878. Now, the cafe uses recovered wood from the previous owners; the very same wood has been used to lay the floors. From table to table, there is a different style and theme.

Today, the building smells of baked goods and roasted coffee beans due to the menu options, including hand-made pastries, an ice cream machine in the back spinning all the gelato, sandwiches made from various meats, and sauces made from scratch. Gerard said, “We’re just trying to take those extra steps not to make it your run-of-the-mill place but to make it so you are welcome to come spend the whole day.”

Similarly, striving to create a new, unique environment for customers to stay comfortable, Doherty wants the same for the staff. Gerard said, “My wife, myself, and everyone we have hired has felt burned out in the industry somehow. We’re just trying to change what it’s like to be a part of the hospitality industry by actually making it hospitable.” 

The couple strives to create an environment that is healthy, fun, and inclusive to all. Geena said, “Gerard is the backbone of this place, but we are a women-run business. I try to make it as accessible as possible for every woman/man who works here,” Geena added, “Every woman working here is a working mother or a college student trying to find her way.” Geena, who has a chronic illness, is especially keen on making the cafe “a place that is inclusive for other staff who may have chronic illnesses or other obstacles. Genna said, “Alicia is the dishwasher learning to bake; she’s taking her time and learning the ropes. That is what I want for anybody that comes through these doors.”  

Locals have already felt the warmth and family-friendly vibe from the Doherty’s and staff. Geena said, “Women in the community love that they can bring their whole family here, their teenagers to their littlest ones.” “They can sit down and chat with their husband, like it’s a date, or sit with their friends while their kids hang out and play, keeping them within their eyesight, in a safe place,” added Geena. 

Community-driven, the cafe will host a variety of events during ever month for community members or non-community members to attend. Geena said, “I just hope families, teenagers, couples, and gamers come. It’s truly a place we’ve tried so hard to create, making it a space for many people to enjoy.” 

Events to be on the lookout that fall on Monday’s including: 

• 1st Monday: Switch-It Up: Gamers can bring their handheld video games and play together with Wi-Fi.
• 2nd Monday: Magic The Gathering: This card game is not sanctioned meaning anybody can play.
• 3rd Monday: Board Games: Over 60 games available.
• 4th Monday: Pokemon: From player-brought cards to handheld video games.
• 5th Monday: Board Games.

Locals will have plenty of chances to catch a game night, stop by for a delicious pastry, and have a little alone time—or not. The option is ours. Gerard said, “We built this business for the community. We saw that it’s something Blue Island truly needed and hopefully brings the community together.”

Please visit BUB Cafe’s website here for more information and upcoming events.

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