Community is helping to restore Josephine's

The community is helping restore Josephine's!

The Chicago Tribune has reported in today's paper that Josephine's (also known as Captain's Hard TIme Dining), is back in business. They had to shut down due to copper wiring being stolen. Thepaper reported that IBEW Local 134, electric company MZI Group Inc. and ComEd are reworking wires at cost to help restore the business.

The NextDoor Community and Jahmal Cole of My Block, My Hood, My City have been huge contributors to the restoration.

You can still contribute by going to the GoFundMe page from Jahmal Cole. The fund is currently at $5389 of the $10,000 goal, more than half way there. Keep it up, community!

Josephine's Dining closed due to copper theft

Our very own Josephine's was robbed last night of copper wiring, causing the restaurant to close until further repairs can be done.

Josephine's (also known to many as Captain Hard Times Dining) is located at 436 E. 79th and has been a community fixture for many years.

And another of our very own, Jahmal Cole, has set up a Go Fund Me to help Josephine's. As of 3:30pm today, they reached $2073 out of a $10,000 goal.

The story appeared on Fox 32 news at noon. Expect tosee it at other outlets soon.

Here is the full story from the Chicago Tribune:

Copper wire theft has has hit another Chicago restaurant.

Surveillance cameras recorded someone climbing to the roof of Capt.’s Hard Time Dining in the Chatham neighborhood Tuesday night, according to multiple sources.

Owner Josephine Wade, known as Mother Wade in the community, could not be reached immediately for comment. The restaurant is currently closed, confirmed employee Barbara Wade, no relation.

The soul food restaurant, open for more than 50 years, is perhaps best known for its chicken and waffles.Total damage estimates may be as high as $20,000, said sources close to Mother Wade, including repairs, refrigerated food loss and lost revenue, according to television news reports.

A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign has been created by My Block, My Hood, My City founder Jahmal Cole. At last check, $1,933 of the $10,000 goal had been raised.

Earlier this year, Antique Taco’s Bridgeport location was also hit by copper wire theft, forcing a temporary closure. The restauraunt reopened April 2.

Capt.’s Hard Time Dining, 436 E. 79th St., 773-487-2900; www.gofundme.com/capt-hard-times-needs-your-help

lchu@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @louisachu

Let us know you have been touched by Josephine Wade and how you would like to help.

Celebrating Josephine "Mother" Wade

Josephine "Mother" Wade , owner of Josephine's Cooking (formerly known as Captain's Hard Time Dining), at 436 E. 79th Street,  has had a very good week.

This weekend, she was honored with a stretch of 79th street named after her, in an honorary street sign. The event was attended by several community leaders and politicians.

She was also featured in  the most recent issue of the African American Tribune (on the cover and a story; the issue is available in many places, such as churches).

From the Inspiration 1390 AM Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Inspiration1390/photos/pcb.10154717253174900/10154717238704900/?type=3&theater

Today she was on the morning show on Inspiration 1390 AM with Sonya Blakey. She talked about her history with the neighborhorhood, community involvement. She also noted that she actually wanted to keep the name Captain's Hard Time Dining. Her son, in consultation with others, thought it would be better branding to not have "negativity" (i.e. "Hard time") in the name, though she noted that the name change threw a lot of people off. She also shared th emany connections she has in our city and community.

  I (JP Paulus) even called in, and with a short description was able to identify me. (I am not sure if that aired...I called around 8:45 am but didn't hear it in the next hour). She definitely has the gift of connection.

Sonia posted a Facebook live conversation at https://www.facebook.com/Sonya-Blakey-189143197792913/

Mother Wade was in the restaurant shortly after her appearance on 1390AM, and might still be there if you stop by today to wish her Happy Birthday!


Congratulations Mother Wade!

Community press conference regarding Eddie Johnson

A press conference was called today by Richard Wooten, former police officer and current leader of the Gathering Point Community Council and Grater Chatham Alliance, meeting at Josephine’s (formerly Captain’s Hard Time dining

Eddie Johnson was scheduled to appear (after meeting with Wooten and several ministers a few days ago). Unfortunately, Johnson was called into a meeting with Mayor Emanuel as well as having the President come to University of Chicago that day, so he was not in attendance.

Wooten instead used the press conference as an opportunity to express support for Eddie Johnson as permanent Police Superintendent. Wooten was joined by representatives of community organizations from West Chesterfield, Chesterfield, Chatham, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and Park Manor as well as 6^th Ward Alderman Rod Sawyer and Victor Love & Josephine Wade of the restaurant.

 

Wooten and others noted that “We are not pleased with the process, but we are pleased with the person.”

Praises for Johnson included how he boosted morale for officers in the 6^th district, reduced crime, and instituted “Peace in the Park” program at Cole Park, immediately following the death of Thomas Wortham IV.

Wooten also talked about plans for a Justice Town Hall meeting, especially for the residents of the greater area, in which Eddie Johnson will be invited. Specifics will be determined, pending Johnson’s schedule.

Andrea Watson of DNAinfo was in attendance, so expect a story very soon. Channel 2,5,7 and 32 (local CBS, NBC, ABC, & Fox stations, respectively) were also in attendance, so expect stories today as well, perhaps as early as noon or 4pm .

Reporters asked tough questions such as “How can Eddie Johnson change the culture of ‘Code of Silence’ which has been around for generations”

#MBMHMC: UChicago med students explore Chatham

Photo via My Block My Hood My City

I have another idea on this although I think this was a cool post with a cool outcome from Jahmal Cole's My Block My Hood My City:

While editing video at Robust, a coffee shop in Woodlawn, I met a few UChicago Priztker Medical School students. They asked me what the My Block, My Hood, My City logo meant, so I told them about my dream of a more interconnected Chicago. This sparked a conversation.

Turns out, the Med Students recognized there's a disconnect between the University and the surrounding communities. I pointed out the window of Robust and told them about the historic Woodlawn Community Organization and the Apostolic Church of God, both of which play major roles in the Woodlawn Community.

After a few more conversations I was asked to come speak at the University, but after my presentation I knew that more needed to be done to bridge the gap between the University and the surrounding communities. So in an effort to help medical students learn and build authentic relationships with neighborhoods that much of their patient population comes, I decided to ask them to join my Explorers Club.
...
Our next stop was the Whitney Young Library, where Branch Manager Mitchell Smith spoke to the Med students about the Library being more than a place to come check out books. Mr. Smith envisions the library as a community hub, a central place of engagement for residents. And then it happened, an authentic connection was made. The Med Students and Branch Manager Smith agreed to collaborate on a series of future engagement. Be on the lookout for that in the upcoming months.

So during the course of their exploration in addition to Chatham's Whitney Young Library they also visited West Chesterfield meeting with the neighbors there and Captain Hardtimes dining for chicken and waffles. Hopefully more to come with this group.

BTW, I'll have to admit it would've been nice to see a black face among this group. It's still cool that they had the interest to leave the Hyde Park campus of the University of Chicago to see other parts of the south side. Regardless if only there was a way these group of med students could convince south side student to consider a career as a doctor. Perhaps that's something that could also come with these group of med students.

Valentine's Day in Chatham - DNAInfo

If you're looking for last minute activities, DNAInfo has what's going on in Chatham

Here's the list:

• For those looking for some fine wine: A&S Beverages, 308 E. 75th St., is hosting a "Valentine's Day Love Affair" from 6-9 p.m. Friday, a free wine tasting that includes a raffle for a couple to receive a $50 store credit. 
• For those looking to eat southern style food: Luversia's is a hometown favorite in Chatham. 
• For those couples looking for a spiritual environment: Carter Temple CME Church, 7841 S. Wabash Ave., is sponsoring a dinner dance for couples beginning at 7 p.m.
• For those looking for a good rubdown: Infinite Touch of Chicago, 231 E. 79th St., is a massage therapy and mobile spa that personalizes its massages, which include deep skin tissue rubdowns and hot oil treatments. 
• For those looking to eat a little of this and a little of that: Josephine's Cooking, 436 E. 79th St., offers a broad menu from soul food to a good old-fashioned burger. 

For more details, go to
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140213/chatham/valentines-day-chatham-church-dance-in-home-massages-wine-tasting

Leap Frog vows to donate $3000 to help 3rd grade student in toy drive

This was forwarded to us by Chinta Strausberg an update on the Beasley School 3rd Grader who wants to send toys to children affected by hurricane Sandy.

On Anderson Cooper’s show, Leap Frog vows to donate $3,000 to help Third grade Beasley School Center student launches toy drive for Hurricane Sandy children

Sam Love, a 9-year-old third grade student at Beasley Elementary Magnet Academic Center, 5255 S. State Street, Thursday appeared on the Anderson Cooper show along with his father, Victor Love.

Anderson surprised Samuel by announcing that Leap Frog heard about his toy drive to help Hurricane Sandy victims and will donate $3,000 towards his project.

So touched by the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, Samuel is holding a Christmas party Saturday, December 15, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at his father’s restaurant, Josephine’s Cooking (aka Captain Hardtimes), 436 E. 79th St.. where Love is asking the public to bring toys for the children in New York.

After watching news reporters showing the devastation Hurricane Sandy has caused, Love sent a note to his principal, Dr. Kim Brasfield, asking for her support in his holding a toy drive for the children who is facing a bleak Christmas. “Since I get so much for Christmas, I think these children should get some toys, too,” said Love.

"When a child places socially responsibility on his or her shoulders to care for others in the world, it is inspiring,” said Brasfield.

School officials agreed to support his toy drive if he would cover the cost of mailing the toys to New York. “I agreed to do that,” said Love who is the grandson of Josephine Wade, who along with her son, Victor Love, Samuel’s father, owns the Josephine Cooking (aka Captain Hardtimes) Restaurant, 436 E. 79th St. in Chicago.

Samuel’s father said, “I am so proud of my son, and I am hoping that the public will support this very worthy cause.”

Admission to Samuel Love’s toy drive is free with a toy or $10.00 if you have no toy.

Where O Where Have Our Restaurants Gone?

Photo courtesy of The Sixth Ward Blog

Recently over at The Sixth Ward Blog there was a discussion about the closing of Army & Lou's,( http://thesixthward.blogspot.com/2011/01/army-and-lous-to-close-maybe.html)since that discussion Izola's and Quench Fresh Foods have closed their doors and it appears that Josephine's/Hard Times is barely holding on. We termed the cuisine served in the restaurants here as Pan African cuisine. Unfortunately, the  restaurants are having problems delivering.

Recently, the Alderman Elect stated he would miss Izola's and was courting several restaurant operators to open up in Chatham as well as was planning to attend next month's National Restaurant Association annual show to court additional restaurants operators to consider our community. Also, Alderman Lyle reiterated her commitment to Army & Lou's current owners to assist them in finding investors/financing. Unfortunately, I believe they may have missed their best chance when they turned down a popular TV show overtures to appear on their restaurant makeover show.

So the questions remains why are our restaurants failing. I asked a couple of experienced and accomplished Chef's/restaurant operators what did they think . First, Dave Blackmon, former food writer, executive chef for Blu 47 and current Director of Culinary Education for Chicago Public Schools gave the following reasons
"I shoot from the gut when it comes to this business. The restaurant industry is not as easy as people think. If it was, then everybody would open one. It also has a very narrow profit margin and if and if not watched carefully business credit can be ruined and vendors will not do business with the restaurant. Checks will bounce, employees will get bitter. Blah, blah blah.
But that's just the end part. There are so many other factors to take in.
1. so many other cheap eateries open by outsiders from other countries (who have no interest in reinvesting in our community) yet we buy their unhealthy subpar fast food product.
2. Large fast food chains sell it cheap and FAST!!! (Fried Chicken!!!!)
3. Izola's & Army & Lou's have very slow service. plus the food was cold. UNACCEPTABLE!!!
4. The "Old Black Political Power Unit" that would often dine at these spots have died down.
5. Plus people are getting old and can't eat traditional soul food or are looking for a fresher dining option.
6. Dining areas needed a real update.

Bottom line. People just didn't dine there enough to keep the businesses a float. Places like Josephine's (aka Captain Hard Times) might not be that far behind if they don't change soon.
I understand the need to support our Black businesses, but bad service is bad service. BTW, I don't eat at those other eateries I mentioned either. They too have bad service."

The other comments came from Chef Eric Paul, owner of Alter Ego a healthy food alternative restaurant, personal trainer and nutrition educator. Mr. Paul comments were "I totally agree with Chef David. I would also add that these restaurants need to advertise more and continue to build their brands. The old word of mouth advertising doesn't work as well as it used. Second, mom and pop restaurants need to establish additional revenue sources such as catering, packaged versions of their famous recipes (i.e. peach cobbler for supermarkets) and possibly expand operations to include private events and meetings. David also stated that there is much more competition than in the days of old. Some of these restaurants should begin appealing to destination diners (i.e. diverse demographics and geography). In order to do the latter, the mom and pops need to revamp their business models by introducing attractions (i.e. chef nights, live music, art showings, spoken word, etc). Lastly, traditional soul food may be good for the soul, but not the heart. If these restaurant created lighter versions of some of their popular dishes, they may attract a different type of customer. The mom and pop restaurants should study the business models of established giants because they have tons of money and resources to conduct market research and stay ahead of trends. Doing business the same ole' way for 20 years is not going to cut it in this market. These restaurants need to hire some new age consultants who also understand their demographic and make changes quickly or perish."

What do you think? What type of restaurants would you like to see?

Roderick Sawyer: Sunday Brunch and Conversation Fundraiser

Via Concerned Citizens of Chatham:

Sunday March 13, 2010
Josephine's (formerly Capt's Hard Times)
436 E 79th
Chicago IL 60619
3:00-6:00 pm

The  news here is not necessarily this campaign event for Roderick Sawyer as he campaigns in the run off, but to ask this question. Since when did Capt's Hard Times become Josephines? I'm missing something here.

Captain Hard Times Dining falling on hard times?

Just saw a sign in front of Captain's Hard Times dining, with the city threatening to cut off the water due to an unpaid bill of nearly $1900.

Captain's has a cafe style side, but also has a ballroom that would make a perfect site for a banquet or wedding reception.

If Captain's closed, it would be a horrible loss to our community.

Yonni's Chicken & Waffles (occupying the former Chatham Pancake House) also closed due to finances.

How can we help our businesses survive?

Are there any businesses we should focus on to help them survive or even thrive?

Chatham Business Association Awards dinner -- NOT in Chatham?!

Saw this sign for the Chatham Business Association's annual awards gala, to be held on September 17, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency downtown.

Why isn't it being held at some place such as Captain Hard Times Dining? It's a perfect place for an awards banquet (or a wedding reception, or other special events)

Seems kind of strange that an organization that is supposed to promote business in the neighborhood is taking it (necessarily?) out of the neighborhood, no?

Unless there isn't capacity in our neighborhood, why not have it here?

Now, if there are so many attendees that it might not be practical to have it at Captain's. But if the only issue might be parking, perhaps they could provide complimentary valet service (using places such as Ruggles School and local businesses).

Let's hope other community leaders continue to use the meeting rooms of businesses such as Army & Lou's and Chatham Pancake House.

Taste Chatham- The Pan African Cuisine Destination

Our community has become a destination point for Pan African Cuisine, dishes inspired from ingredients indigenous to the continent of Africa. So during the holiday weekend go out and taste Chatham. Here are some restaurants to try

Yassa African Restaurant - African Fusion
716 E 79th St
(773) 488-5599
Dishes from Senegal and other African Countries

Cafe Trinidad- Afro Caribbean
555 E. 75th Street
773.846.8081
Traditional Caribbean dishes

Soul Vegetarian East- Vegetarian Soul Food
205 E 75th Street
(773) 224-0104
Traditional Soul Food with a twist

Army & Lou's Restaurant- Southern Soul Food
422 E. 75th St.
773-483-3100
Traditional Soul Food dishes

Izola's Restaurant-Soul Food
522 E 79th St.
(773) 846-1484
Traditional Soul Food dishes

Captain's Hard Times Diner- Soul Food
436 E. 79th St
(773) 487-2900
Traditional Soul Food dishes

If I missed any, please feel free to add your favorite.

"Afternoon Social & Line Dancing"

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council blog got the scoop on us on this one...

"Afternoon Social & Line Dancing"

Census Information Early Voting Information

Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Place: Captain Smith’s Hard Time Dining

436-440 East 79th Street

Chicago, Illinois 60619

Time: 12 noon until 3pm

Line Dancing Stepping

Raffle

Donation: $10.00 per person

Refreshments

Sponsored by: The U.S. Census Complete Count Committee &
Weorganizeit4u, Gifts, Consulting & Event Planning

Captain Smith’s Hard Time Dining

For more information please contact M.Drake at (773) 620-4578 or Mrs. Josephine Wade at (773) 487-2900.

If you've been to Captain Hard Times...you know this is a great venue for an event like this!