Jorge Perez
BioGRAPHY
Jorge Perez grew up and currently lives in the South Chicago Community. After a successful career in economic development, executive association leadership and small business advocacy, he returned to his roots as a 100% business owner. He created and leads the retail food service and consulting firm of LS41 Cafe Inc. which operates a restaurant concept called Chico’s Oven located in South Chicago, and as a joint venture partner of an airport concession team, and provides corporate affairs business consulting.
Airport Concessionaire
LS41 Cafe Inc., is a US DOT certified Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACBDE) and a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firm. Certified in Illinois, Texas and PANYNJ. LS41 Cafe Inc. is a Joint Venture partner with industry leading airport concessionaire in the operation of a soon to be opened The Butcher and The Burger and Publican Coffee locations at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5 Expansion.
Leadership/Advocacy
Throughout his career, Jorge successfully bridged his entrepreneurial drive with accomplishments in community economic development organizations and executive business association leadership. In his career, he successfully led two trade associations, the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC), and The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) for a combined 17 years.
Public Service
For 2 years beginning in 2008, then Chicago Mayor, Richard M. Daley appointed Jorge as Deputy Commissioner for Chicago’s Department of Aviation. At that position, he successfully managed the Real Estate, Planning and Concessions for both O’Hare and Midway International Airports. In 2016, Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Jorge as Chairman to the City of Chicago’s Community Development Commission. He is the founding Board President of Lake Effect Community Development, a community economic and leadership development organization.
Located in South Chicago
New Concept in original location
Our first location is a new concept branded Chico’s Oven, after the ovens that were originally purchased in the 1980s. Most of the equipment is the original equipment purchased by Jorge’s father. The building and equipment was purchased by Jorge in the mid 1990's, moth balled with the vision to one day reopen.
After COVID, a new concept emerges
As the COVID -19 pandemic began to calm, the entire concept was revised. Instead of a traditional “front and back of house” a walk up window concept was installed as part of a new strategy. This would allow the use of technology and a new branding of Chico’s Oven. In addition, a limited menu was developed.
Promise made and kept.
Jorge worked his way through undergraduate studies at Roosevelt University while managing his parents grocery store named Cristy’s Grocery & Bakery. Recipes he learned from his father are the mainstays of Chico’s Oven offering.
Proud to be an inaugeral member of the newest group of O’Hare 21 Concessionaires
LS41 Cafe strategic plan includes creating a presence as part of the much awaited, ORD21 redevelopment and being part of the Terminal 5 expansion.
Terminal 5 Expansion
Currently underdevelopment, 2 locations will open in 2024. The Butcher and the Burger in the new gate nodes at the east end of Terminal 5. In addition, Publican Coffee will open at the Delta Airlines Gates on the western end of Terminal 5. This is in conjunction with HMS Host and Reggio’s Pizza.
Quality Strategic Knowledgable Services
Government Relations
Utilizing our 25 years of experience and relationship. We can assist your business with the know how in creating effective campaigns for your business or organization with elected officials, public officials in leadership positions. At local, county or State Levels.
Business to Business Development
Growing a business is tough. Getting to the right person in a firm is critical. We can assist your business growth plan with making the proper connections. But thats only one step in deepening and broadening your business relationships. We will show you how.
Strategic Planning
Not sure what to do. We can create stratgic plans for your business utilizing our tool box of knowledge, experience and technical skills that will get your business to the next level.