advertisement

Two entrepreneurs launch Dream Foods in Elgin

Kevin Echevarria of Dream Hub and Jeff Turner of In the Neighborhood Deli have joined forces to start a new business, Dream Foods.

As part of the Dream Foods, Turner will oversee all food service at Dream Hall at 51, the new food hall set to open in the spring at 51 S. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin.

The new business combines Echevarria's entrepreneurial and Turner's restaurateur expertise while mixing in food offerings from a collective of local entrepreneurs - both growers and food preparation startups. "We are enhancing and curating food experiences through our network of food system services," Echevarria said.

The Dream Foods network includes collaborations with Shared Dream Kitchen, a food service incubator space; Dream Distributors, a produce distribution hub for Kane County growers; and operate out of Dream Hall in Elgin.

Dream Foods will incorporate the ITN Dream Deli and Cafe at the Gail Borden Public Library. The expanded cafe will serve the signature menu that has historically been offered by Turner at his Edison Avenue In The Neighborhood Deli: panini sandwiches, homemade soups, pasta salads, green salads, and fresh baked goods. Cafe drinks will include a robust offering of hot and cold beverages. The kitchen at Gail Borden is being remodeled now to accommodate the larger offerings.

This brings together both Turner and Echevarria's strengths.

"Kevin has the entrepreneurship. I have the community," Turner said. Turner has organized Elgin's community Thanksgiving Meal and the Valentine's Day weekend Have a Heart Dinner for the past several years. Turner has also organized a community Christmas dinner and a summer cookout open to the community.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.