Stu Zirin used to host weekly dinner parties at his home for 14 people. They were four-course, over-the-top dinners with different people every week.
"I invited John Dalton to one of those dinner parties and we became really good friends. John always wanted to be in the bar business and I loved the thought of always throwing a party," Zirin said. "After the dinner, he said that if he had put together the guest list, he would have invited the same guests. We realized we had the same close friends.
"Soon after, John told me he always wanted to be in the bar business and I already knew that I loved to entertain."
That was the groundwork for minibar, which the two co-own in Lakeview.
"It took me a while to figure out that I have a passion for entertaining," Zirin said. "I take an active roll in almost every component of both bars and restaurants with the exception of staff scheduling. I also am involved in recruiting, [plus] the executive chef for both, and the CIO. He also works with the marketing and positioning of both.
"[The] most frustrating thing is that most people don't know that we [offer] dinners at minibar seven days a week. The menu uses my recipes and minibar produces amazing pizza and great dishes like Allen Brothers Tenderloin tips and my Gorgonzola Salad in a vinaigrette dressing.
"I am a foodie and love good food."
Zirin was born in New York, yet has lived in Chicago since age 15. He now calls the North side home, near Lakeview and Lincoln Park. He is openly gay, single.
"I oversee the operation of both places as if I was throwing a dinner party at my home," Zirin said. "In fact, I consider both places [to be] an extension of my home. I treat anyone who enters as if they were entering my home.
"It really is a joy when others get what you get and like what you like. Nothing can describe the great feeling of always trying to throw the best party with the best food, drink, music, [and] lighting. I'm so delighted when someone stops me and says [that they] had such a great time the other night, or the tacos were amazing, or the pizza at minibar was the best ever. It's an amazing feeling for me."
So what's the key to Zirin's business success?
"It's always important to remember we are giving the party, not attending the party," he said.
Zirin, who is reluctant to reveal his age, admitted the best way to stay young is to be around the younger generation. "It's amazing to see trends starting, and trends seem to start with young active people, especially young LGBT people," he said.
"I relate to my customers as if they are entering my home. They are just helping me pay for the party, and I don't have to clean up. I can, instead, go to sleep when people are still in the living room."
Zirin has often worked with others and had business partners, so aligning with Dalton is no different. "John is one of the most amazing people I have met," Zirin said. "He is a pleasure to work with. I realize I am not the easiest person to work with. I get annoyed when things are not done right and I realize that the little things do matter."
Zirin said adapting business in a tough economy has been tough. Staying fresh and offering an amazing experience every time is key, he said.
"You have to make sure your guests have a great experience down to every detail," he said. "I never envisioned that I would be doing what I am doing [now,] but I am very lucky to be surrounded by a great family and friends. I think of everyone I work with to be part of the family and try to help everyone I can."
minibar is Zirin's first business venture in the gay community.
"I often say my brother plays golf, and I run two bars and restaurants," Zirin said. "He buys a new [golf] club and I buy a pizza press. It's just my hobbies have turned into businesses."
