Owner Spotlight: Swadesh Shrestha, #2088
Photo Credit: Juneer Kibria
Join us for an OWNER HAPPY HOUR!
Tue 3/24, 5-6:30pm @ Chiya Chai Cafe
Enjoy a beverage & a bite on the co-op!
What does being a co-op owner mean to you?
I have a long history with co-ops. In fact, my father started the first organic farm co-op in Kathmandu in the late ‘80s. Ever since I moved from Nepal to the United States I have been a co-op member/owner. We were long time members of the Wedge Co-op in Minneapolis and loved it there. We were very excited to find Dill Pickle in Logan Square even before we opened Chiya Chai and before you moved to this location, when you were still on Fullerton. Being a Dill Pickle owner means being part of something I truly believe in: good, ethically sourced products that benefit everyone in the chain starting from the producers and going all the way to the consumers.
What's your favorite product at the Pickle?
My favorite product in Dill Pickle is your bulk whole grain oats. Our family eats oats every day for breakfast because they're just so good for you. I am very happy that I can get them at the Dill Pickle!
Tell us a bit about Chiya Chai and how it creates community.
The very idea of Chiya Chai is rooted in the idea of a community – Chai in Nepal and India, is not just a drink but an excuse for people to get together, take a break, share stories and be a part of the community. One of the inspirations for Chiya Chai was my grandfather’s chai place in rural Nepal, in the foothills of the Himalayas. There, as a child, I would see people come in every morning to share and talk about the goings on in the village and the outside world. That made a lasting impression on me. In Chiya Chai, we aspire to create a space for people to relax, feel comfortable with who they are and connect with one another. We are proud that Chiya Chai is an inclusive and accessible place where all our customers feel welcome regardless of their age, race, gender and other preferences or life choices.
When you're not at Chiya Chai, how do you spend your time?
When not working, I like to spend time with my family. We like trying out new restaurants and innovative food concepts. I like to cook, visit vintage/thrift shops, spend time outdoors. Travelling, hiking, parks and picnics are on the top of my list.
What are a few of your favorite places in the neighborhood?
I love a lot of places in Logan Square. It is always fun to walk on the boulevard and admire the beautiful houses. The Logan Square Farmers market is also a very special place for me. Hanging out at the square in summer and people watching is a lot of fun. I love the Logan theater, independent cafes and stores around Logan Square. I love food at Fat Rice and The Owl for drinks.
What’s your favorite vegetable and why?
I have many vegetables that I love but I can’t resist any kind of leafy greens. Currently I have been eating a lot of sautéed Kale. On top of being delicious and good for you, I love greens so much because I grew up eating them with every single meal. Kathmandu, where I am from, is famous for its great-tasting vegetables, especially the greens.
Any other fun facts to share?
Almost 20 years ago, when I had only just moved to the U.S, we started a small Chai place in Minneapolis called Himalayan Chai. We were way ahead of the time then as we soon found out, resulting in our first restaurant, Namaste Café, still a popular, well-loved place in uptown Minneapolis.