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Chicago, IL

Expanding brand awareness and enhancing operations through marketing, staff development, and physical improvements.

• Mission: Celebrating Spanish culinary traditions with a blend of authentic dishes and innovative twists, from bocadillos to paella, in a welcoming and dynamic setting.  
• Culinary Innovation: Offering a unique dining experience by blending traditional Spanish flavors with influences from Chef James Martin’s South Carolina roots.  
• Growth Strategy: Expanding brand presence and customer base through targeted marketing, employee development, and physical space improvements.  
• Recognition: Gaining local and national acclaim, with Chef Martin named a 2024 James Beard Awards semi-finalist and a Rising Star by Starchefs.  
• Community Engagement: Positioning Bocadillo Market as both a restaurant and a cultural hub for Spanish culinary products and experiences, offering specialty items and wines for purchase.  
• Leadership: Founded by Chef James Martin, blending cultural influences and culinary expertise to create an innovative dining experience in Chicago’s competitive restaurant scene.

Bocadillo Market, a Spanish-inspired restaurant located in Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, is seeking funds to expand its brand presence and grow its customer base. Founded in 2021 by Chef James Martin, the restaurant offers a dynamic culinary experience, serving traditional Spanish bocadillos and other classic dishes like paella and jamón ibérico. During the day, it functions as a cozy café, offering curated seasonal menus, while in the evening, it transforms into an upscale dining destination. The restaurant has earned recognition for its innovation and authenticity, earning accolades from notable publications and culinary awards.

The funds raised will be used to support marketing efforts, employee training, small physical improvements, and research and development. By investing in targeted marketing, Bocadillo Market aims to increase its visibility and attract more guests, both locals and tourists. The investment will also go toward enhancing staff skills, improving service, and boosting employee morale. Additionally, funds will be used for upgrades to the restaurant’s decor, ensuring a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for all guests. Finally, Bocadillo Market plans to invest in culinary research to innovate and refine its menu, helping it remain a standout dining experience in Chicago’s competitive restaurant scene.

Company Info

Bocadillo Market is a Spanish-inspired restaurant in Chicago offering a unique culinary experience that blends traditional Spanish dishes with Southern influences.

Bocadillo Market, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, is a Spanish-inspired restaurant and café that was founded in 2021 by Chef James Martin. The restaurant offers a blend of traditional Spanish dishes with a twist, such as bocadillos—Spanish sandwiches—alongside paella, jamón ibérico, and other Spanish favorites. During the day, it operates as a casual café with rotating seasonal menu items, and by evening, it transforms into a full-service dining destination. The restaurant emphasizes high-quality Spanish ingredients, including specialty products and wines, many of which are also available for purchase.

Chef Martin, who is deeply inspired by both his South Carolina roots and his travels to Spain, focuses on creating a warm, inviting space that celebrates both cultures through food. Bocadillo Market has already garnered local acclaim, with Chef Martin being named a 2024 semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards and a 2024 Rising Star by Starchefs. The restaurant aims to expand its reach across Chicago, grow brand awareness, and continue to offer fresh, authentic Spanish cuisine while becoming a hub for Spanish culinary products and culture.