On August 20th, a City of Chicago inspector visited the Heartland Cafe at 7000 North Glenwood after receiving a citizen complaint. On that day, the Heartland Cafe was cited for a liquor license violation. The Michael James/Katy Hogan owned establishment did not have a license that include their patio area. Yet they were serving liquor on the patio anyhow.
In the 31 years the Heartland has been in business, how in the world could James and Hogan get away with this blatant violation of business license laws?
How many years did James and Hogan cheat the city out of much needed revenue by not purchasing this particular license? Well, every year they've been open and serving liquor on the patio. This has been going on forever.
This wasn't just a slight oversight. No sir. Clearly James and Hogan know the rules. They're close with Joe Moore. He knows the rules too. And he knows the ward like the back of his hand. They all should've known about this. And I bet you, they did.
To make matters worse, Katy Hogan has no problem telling other people how to run their business as a Special Service Area tax levy #24 commissioner. She should start worrying about her business is run before she starts telling other what to do.
Labor Day Blognotes: What I find most incomprehensible, yet not confirmed with the city, (another FOIA required) is the Heartland Cafe was also cited for not paying their employees a minimum wage.
Forget a living wage, I'm told by my source Hogan/James & Company aren't even covering the bone minimum. How can Joe Moore even eat there under those poor employee working conditions? If this is true, all three would be considered world class hypocrites to the third degree.
A hearing date hasn't been set for the Heartland Cafe liquor license violation.
56 comments:
SURPRISED SOMEONE HASN'T GOT DEHERIA FROM EATING THEIR, MOST FILTHY LOOKING FOOD ESTABLISHMENT IN ROGER'S PARK
It does not suprise me, they don't pay their employees "a living wage". It shows in the quality of food there.
They think they can get away with murder because they are "politically connected".
Snobbery is bigotry.
What evidence do you have that they aren't paying minimum wage, keeping in mind that minimum wage for wait staff is considerably lower than regular minimum wage? (I believe people who work for tips make $2.50/hr.)
Amy said....> "What evidence do you have that they aren't paying minimum wage"
Came from the same source who told me about the liquor license violation.
The paranoia syndrome.
Oh, and given the fact this reliable insider source hasn't been wrong yet, maybe James & Company oughta look at who on the payroll may be leaking the 411 to outsiders.
Hat tip to Tom Mannis at RP Bench for his coverage of the Heartland Cafe.
So, what are they paying, Craig? Is it below minimum wage for waitstaff, or below regular minimum wage? Which employees are affected -- servers, kitchen staff, janitors/custodial workers? If they're seriously jacking their employees around, I'd like to know so I can stop eating there.
Come up with some evidence or admit that you're just blowing smoke (again).
> Come up with some evidence or admit that you're just blowing smoke (again).
Didn't the post mention 'not confirmed' and 'FOIA'? Given the time it takes to get responses, (if given) guess we'll just have to wait....
Well, gee, Toni, if it's not confirmed, maybe he shouldn't be spreading rumors (and his other commenters shouldn't accept the rumors as fact). How about that?
But I guess Craig loves to report bad news, whether or not it's true.
Amy, Toni is correct. I'll have to file yet another freedom of information request with the city. This takes up to a week. Just getting past the gate-keeper takes at least a day.
I could think of 10,000 other issues I'd much rather ask the city for document information, like DevCorp North.
It's really ridiculous that the city puts citizens through the ringer when dealing with a politically connected businesses or organizations - who's not operating on the up-and-up.
If it bothers you so much Amy, ask the city for the information yourself. Better yet, ask James or Hogan.
You are now banned from commenting anymore on this subject today for being a idiot commenter.
If you want to talk futher on the subject, start your own Hate the Broken Heart blog.
Sorry to stir the pot, but I personally love the Heartland. I rather wish the owners weren't such supporters of Joe, but that's their choice to make. I don't feel like it affects my experience as a customer.
I do, however, appreciate their long-term commitment to our community. I also enjoy eating there, despite the sometimes so-so service. I've grown to love the quirky atmosphere and few things are more pleasant for me than a nice summer evening on the Heartland patio.
I'll make no apologies for it. I love the place.
As for the license issue, it very well could be just an oversight. Maybe not, but it certainly could be.
And regarding the minimum wage thing: I don't have any first-hand knowledge, but is it possible that they pay their servers a very low wage, like all restaurants, and incorporate tips as part of their income?
I'm just suggesting there might be another side to this.
Does any one know how long they haven't had a license, is this a 1 time event or years?
heartland smells like doody, to put it very simply. and they're really overpriced. for what they charge for each dish, you would expect fine dining, not hippies and dirty conditions.
i'm really starting to wish i had moved to edgewater, they actually give a shit over there.
In the meantime, why not just ask your Heartland mole for a copy of his/her check stub? That should be all the proof you need of labor law violations until your FOIA request goes through.
V&J: From the point of view of someone who lives in Edgewater: We are glad such a whiny couple did not move here. You'd spoil the atomosphere. We prefer the nutcases to live in Rogers Park
the only reason i am "whiny" as you put it, is that rp is a shithole that no one cares about. and i am not a nutcase, that's just your smug attitude shining through, brought on by an alderman that actually cares.
edgewater edie, whiners strangely don't whine so much in Edgewater, 'cause there isn't so much to whine about.
I love both communities, but I'll say right now that Rogers Park middle class people have more to howl about.
Be grateful for the leadership you have, that cleaned that area up. I chose RP over Edgewater 10 years ago, because E was in worse shape.
But I'll buy in Edgewater.
Just worry about being sandwiched between Queen Helen in Uptown and JoMo in Rogers Park and hope you keep your alderman. She has her faults, but overall she does a good job.
Schiller and Moore, a match made in Hell!
What a combination.
Sometimes I wonder if they compare notes.
Ah, Craig. You just win't be happy until your personal vendettas have ruined all of the good things in. The neighborhood. While I am not a fan of the HCs food, I do like to have a drink on the patio, since there are so few places around here to do that.
I've lived here for five months, and from what I can tell, Craig, you're just a miserable man who's lucky to have friends like Jocelyn. Either get a life, or start a business of your own to make the RP a better place to live. If you think posting pictures of shit does it, you're wrong.
Funny. These charges against Katy Hogan and Michael James have been making the rounds of this blog and some others for a couple of months now. If you had proof, why not lay out your case. Solid proof, not inuendo. Or is this like pre-nazi Germany where if you say something over and over again, people start to believe it. Keep telling the big lie.
Toni says: "Didn't the post mention 'not confirmed' and 'FOIA'? Given the time it takes to get responses, (if given) guess we'll just have to wait.... " Toni, if you want people to take you seriously, you have to be willing to back up your statements with proof.
Kelley said...> "I do like to have a drink on the patio"
Oops, another liquor license violation. Where's the inspector?
Little Betty said....> "If you had proof, why not lay out your case"
Not my job. That's for the inspectors.
I think Craig is not out of line to hold a local and well-established business accountable. He has posted positive and supportive stories on the Heartland too over time.
I have supported the Heartland alot over the years I have lived here and appreciate them being here, but they have to follow the rules just like everyone else.
Bill Morton, they DO "compare notes".
Hey, Craig, link the photo of Helen and Joe eating together at the Heartland, for Bill.
It's no wonder the Heartland gets away from fines and suspensions. They've got political connections.
LOOKS FROM THE BLOG THE HEATLAND IS DEFINITE NOT UNION-SURPRIZED JOMO EATS THEIR AS HE IS SUCH A BIG UNION MAN
everytime you write about heartland cafe an angel crashes into a drunk on Fargo, please save our angels and stop writing about heartland cafe
Betty, I don't have to prove anything - this is Craig's blog and his post. I made a comment about the length of time it takes to get FOIA's returned - that is if you get the info requested.
Talk about over-reaching....
Tried and convicted based on what? Rumor? Inuendo? What a truly sad bunch you all are. I've lived in Edgewater too. Believe me, it ain't perfect. There's drug dealers, lousy drivers, shootings, knifings. Its no paradise. It's very much like Rogers Park. You should see the regular bunch of thugs that hang out on Thorndale. Your lucky you have Loyola and not Senn High to worry about.
Where's your proof that Heartland cafe has violated anything? Based on what set of facts? Does this mean I can make any allegation about anybody's business and say, well it must be true because I haven't got my FOIA request.
Joyclyn, Toni, Bill, Craig... would you be happy if someone did this to you? Talk about blind and arrogant.
Inkjar, that is about the stupidist comment I've ever read. How many restaurants do you eat at that are unionized?
> Joyclyn, Toni, Bill, Craig... would you be happy if someone did this to you?
Well Betty, Wee Wee and the Unknowns do it frequently. Did you get a pink postcard? Do you think that was 'funny' or 'cute'? Some of 'them' thought it was hilarious.
Oh, I forgot, the only memories people will have of me is being disgruntled over mail fraud and I should move on with my life.
How trite. Dime store psychology is for kids.
REF - toni2
CAN'T AGREE WITH YOU IN THIS CASE AS JOMO IS SUCH A LOUDMOUTH UNON ACTTIVIST PLUS THE UNION MORE OR LESS BOUTH HIS RELECTOION FOR HIM-
GLAD YOU MADE THE COMMENT BRINGS OUT MORE GOOSE LIOVER-
Toni: Seems like you've taken a fall off your high horse. Yes you were a victim. Does it make it any better to victimize others?
REF- toni2
SORRY I DON'T RIDE A HORSE---
I think that Heartland is something RP should be proud of.
BUT Hogan and James should be held accountable (like everyone else)for their on-going
Sloppy management,
Sloppy maintenance,
and Sloppy kitchen.
If the accusations are true then I'm sure both of them will fess up, appoligize and pay any fines.
They are probably praying that the Dept. of Labor does not come and begin taking a look at overtime pay practices, hourly employees who are misclassified as "salaried" etc... That stuff get real expensive.
I think that the Heartland is something RP (or any neighborhood)should be proud of. I hope they do not change their identity too much during the next 30 years.
BUT Hogan and James should be held accountable (like everyone else)for:
Sloppy management,
Sloppy maintenance,
and a Sloppy kitchen.
If the accusations are true, I'm sure both of them will fess up, appoligize and pay any fines.
They are probably praying that the Dept. of Labor does not come and begin taking a look at overtime pay practices, hourly employees who are misclassified as "salaried" etc... That stuff get real expensive.
I love the gift shop at Heartland, and I think the place is cute.
But the food is mediocre at best, and the smell of the place and the way they let their dumpsters spill over doesn't foster trust in their sanitation.
When I first moved here and saw the Heartland, I thought it was the neighborhood blessing. It appeared to be the only desirable looking place to go drink and eat in this part of the neighborhood. I wish I had a reason to defend the place against Craig and the so-called "hate-bloggers" or "gordonites" constant attack, but it really was disappointing and I don't doubt what I read on here about it.
First trip there: Absolutely not what I expected on the inside. Smells like a hippy who refuses to shower, has a run-down appearance, slow service, but I had a decent meal.
Second (and last) trip: horrible service and terrible food. Even the nacho appetizer tasted like garbage--how can you screw that up? The most disturbing part was seeing a kitchen employee leave the restroom as I'm walking in...then after using the restroom I discover there is no soap in the dispenser...just a bar of soap that looked disgusting sitting on a dirty sink. It appeared to have not been used recently, as it had conformed with the sink (i'm not sure if that is good or bad itself). I told the "general store" (i could round up a bunch of junk and call it a store too) cashier, she didn't seem too concerned--much like the waitress didn't seem to be concerned about checking on our table.
I really wish I had a reason to go back, but I'll instead walk a few extra blocks to Leona's where they know how to run a business.
Jerk Store, there is also Suron and Panini Panini and Morseland and Amphora and Groupo Di Amicci and Charmer's Cafe.
Down the road in Edgewater there is Indie, a beautiful little sushi place, and Moody's Pub with its great patio and the finest new entry, the Wine Celler, just to name a few.
No need to put up with a dirty restaurant with lousy food where employees don't even wash their hands after using the facilities- that's how you get Hep A and E.coli poisoning.
I went to the Heartland when it opened and it was OK. NOthing to write home about. Now I wouldnt go in there if you paid me.
The place reeks of capitalism off the backs of the needy!
hey bloggers! i'm new to chicago and living in rogers park, i was searching the net for info and found you i was surprised to read the post. my boyfriend has only been employed at the heartland cafe for a little while now and its weird to read some of the posts. i don't know what the pay-thing is but my guy makes min.wage, i hear that's all anyone really gets but i don't really know.i think the place smells too and i asked my boyfriend if they were dirty. he said old and broke down some, but not dirty.he told me they clean alot.especially now with the inspectors which pissed me off i was excited to have an outdoor patio it reminded me of the coast.he said they said it was thought the license which is up to date according to staff covered the patio.i guess they had to take there potted plants off the sidewalk too.kinda sad when one of my new neighbors had a crack head break into their apartment - rogers park is somewhat scary at times but i guess that's urban living...lol just realized i babbled too much. but i thought it was cool to be able to give you sortof an inside scoop, i dunno.i'll check back and see what yall say. glad to be in a community that cares.
oops forgot to say,
Cheers
see you in the neighborhood, neighbors! ya, i'm in chicago.
So Craig, not enough going on in Rogers Park?
Got to tread over old crap when you run out of things to bad mouth about rogers park?
If I can recall, and I am pretty sure it's accurate, didn't the Heartland Cafe host benefits for Don Gordon (Skeletor), Jin Ginderske and Joe Moore?
What's your problem with the Heartland Cafe or Michael and Katy?
At Least they are trying.
It's laughable that this "community" is more worried what responsible citizens might do after consuming a small amount of alcohol on a restaurant patio rather than addressing the drug deals, gang activity, and muggings that plague the area. I'd rather be a snob with a beer buzz at the Heartland than be in a coma at the hospital.
joe moore know 49th
Rumor has it that the Heartland Cafe owners are going to file suit today against Craig.......
Enjoy Craigie!!!!!
About time some one got even with you.
Craig are you ready to give up Daddy's little empire?
To the Heartland loyalists. If James and Hogan want to sue me, let them sue me. Of all people to challenge someone first amendment right, this will be a real public laugher.
Then we can legally have a court of law look into every single employee's documents to see if they are hiring undocumented workers at any time.
We can look at the all the Heartlands book-keeping records.
We can see exactly what they paid each and every worker.
We can look into each and every employee and see if they've paid their taxes.
We can check every IRS form they every filed.
They would be under the biggest microscope you've ever seen.
"Of all people to challenge someone first amendment right,"
Libel is not covered by the First Amendment. You can't spread lies about people, Craig.
How's that FOIA request coming? If it turns out they're not violating labor laws, you'll be sure to post your findings, right? I mean, you are a man of integrity, yes?
If you're in a hurry to find out, file your own FIOA. I'll get around to it when I have time.
That's IF you have time. Aren't you kind of busy these days, Craig? If not, you might be VERY busy in the near future.
When you have time craig, That means NEVER!
You are just spreading Bullshit about the Heartland Cafe.
Put your money where your mouth is, get off your ass, and post the truth!
LET'S ALL START A RACIST BLOG WHERE WE ALL ACCUSE YOUNG BLACK MALES HANGING ON THE CORNER OF BEING GANG BANGERS AND DOPE DEALERS!!! GOOD JOB U FFING BIGOT!!!
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