Jake Schneider

A local foodie, chef, and entrepreneur, Jake has always loved nourishing people through food.

Growing up, his dad would take Jake and his brothers to volunteer for Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago, an organization that delivers Jewish holiday meals to families in need.

Then, while in college, Jake took on the role of chef at his school's Hillel. After graduation, he decided to skip culinary school, instead working to pay his dues as a line and prep cook at some of Chicago's upscale restaurants.

Last year, he fulfilled his longtime dream of opening Schneider Deli with his wife. The deli, housed in Chicago's landmark Ohio House Motel, which originated as a pickle company and series of pop-ups, serves Ashkenazi Jewish staples from pastrami to kugel to latkes and more.

When he's not overseeing operations at the deli, he loves to relax with his wife, Ariel, and English bulldog, Ira, at home.

AGE:
34

PRIMARY GIG:
Deli owner

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
In high school, I once rode a bike across the country from Savannah, Georgia to Santa Monica, California.

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
I’ve gotten Seth Rogen and Bobby Moynihan.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Opening a deli. This is my first independent business venture. It took years of hard work and plenty of help to make this dream become a reality. I'm proud of the deli because it has become a center of Jewish culture in the city, and I think it's very needed right now.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
I am very inspired by my Jewish food Queens Joan Nathan and Ina Garten. Both have inspired me with their success and their commitment to preserving our Jewish culture through food. This is something I think about every day: how I can promote Judaism through food (and the deli) and empower others to be proud of their Judaism.