Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanja Jeftenic.
Hi Tanja, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From my website:
Founder
TANJA JEFTENIC
Tanja Jeftenic’s journey is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, creative vision, and unwavering dedication to the art of hospitality. Armed with a degree in marketing, Tanja embarked on a path that would lead her from the world of marketing to the vibrant realm of hospitality.
However, Tanja’s passion for hospitality was ignited long before her formal education began. At the tender age of 14, she embarked on an internship at the prestigious Atlantic Hotel in Hamburg, Germany where she immersed herself in the dynamic environment of the kitchen. This early exposure to the industry sparked Tanja’s love for the culinary arts and laid the groundwork.
This early exposure to the industry left a lasting impression on Tanja, shaping her approach to hospitality and instilling in her a deep appreciation for the importance of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. It was during this formative experience that Tanja discovered her love for working with people and hosting events, setting her on a path that would ultimately lead to the founding of Astoria Cafe and Bakery.
Today, as the owner of Astoria, Tanja draws upon her diverse background and hands-on experience to create a welcoming space where guests can not only enjoy delicious food but also feel a sense of belonging and connection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s just part of owning a business. One of the biggest challenges was opening Astoria Cafe and Bakery from scratch in a city where we didn’t have an established customer base. We had to work hard to get our name out there and prove ourselves. Then, the pandemic hit, and like many small businesses, we had to adapt quickly just to stay afloat.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Astoria Cafe and Bakery is a European-style bakery specializing in handcrafted cakes, pastries, and Balkan dishes. We’re known for our fresh, high-quality ingredients and our commitment to authentic flavors. Our number cakes, in particular, have become a signature item, blending beautiful design with incredible taste.
What sets us apart is our dedication to freshness—everything is made the day of pickup, ensuring the best quality. We also focus on hard-to-find Eastern European desserts, offering a taste of home for many in our community.
We’re proud to have built a brand that people trust for both everyday treats and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. Whether you need a custom cake, traditional Balkan pastry, or just something sweet, Astoria Cafe and Bakery is here to bring your vision to life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in both my life and business, but I believe it’s what you do with that luck that really matters. There have been moments of good luck—like finding the right opportunities at the right time or meeting people who have supported our journey. But there’s also been bad luck, like facing unexpected challenges, including the pandemic, which forced us to adapt quickly just to keep our doors open.
At the end of the day, I think hard work, persistence, and mindset play a bigger role than luck. You can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how you respond. For us, every challenge has been a lesson, and every bit of good luck has been something we’ve tried to make the most of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.astoria-cafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoriachicago
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoriachicago
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/astoria-cafe-and-bakery-lisle-lisle
Image Credits
Credit: Astoria Chicago