Plainfield Welcomes Cozy New Lounge Inspired By European Cafes

PLAINFIELD, IL — Inviting, cozy and intimate — this is how Zach Barvian describes his new business, BeAttitudes, which opened its doors to the Plainfield community on Feb. 10.

Located at 24030 W. Lockport St., the concept for the lounge was conceived after a family trip to Europe in 2018. Barvian said he was "impressed and inspired" by the social customs and history they experienced in Madrid.

"Even in the dense, urban city center, people were rarely seen walking alone. There was a warmth and cordiality among the residents that shaped their recreational spaces," he said. "Small, quaint bars and cafés were everywhere, and filled with friends and families laughing and catching up."

He said his family has lived in the village for decades, running a successful ice cream shop named Hazel Marie's. After repurposing a small space in a historic downtown building, they seized the opportunity to create a place that "we hope will cultivate personal, intimate moments between people, and in a setting that feels deeply rooted to Plainfield’s past and present," he said.

BeAttitudes was all set to open last March just before the coronavirus pandemic hit, and Barvian said they had to delay their opening date several times.

"The pandemic has taken an emotional toll on all of us; we saw loved ones get sick, missed holidays and visits with family, and experienced the challenges of isolation and economic pain," he said. "We were worried last year that our vision for this place would never have the chance to materialize. But after a hard year of COVID-19, we’re certain that this is the right time for BeAttitudes and that we can provide the experience we imagined safely and responsibly."

Although the lounge only offers indoor seating, it is complying with state guidelines. The staff members are required to wear masks at all times, the tables are spaced at least 6 feet apart, and after each party leaves, the space is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Barvian also said they run an air purifier and ask guests to stay masked unless they are seated.

Establishing a loyal customer base is difficult during the pandemic, but with the use of social media and word-of-mouth advertising, guests have been frequenting the place at a steady pace.

While there are several items to choose from, Barvian said their marinated, almond-stuffed olives seem to be a favorite, along with a Bellringer rye whiskey cocktail that has garnered "high praise from those who have ordered it."

"We truly couldn’t be happier with the response we’ve gotten from visitors. Our guests have really validated all of the hard work that our family put into designing and crafting the space," he said. "We poured ourselves into every aspect of this place, and our guests have delighted in noticing all the special, personal touches."

The name of the lounge is inspired by the term "Beatitudes" — blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. The term refers to supreme blessedness, which ultimately means a state of supreme happiness, and the lounge aims to recreate an atmosphere that could be conducive to such absolute bliss.

"We think many people are itching to safely reconnect with their surroundings and socialize. We hope to be a relaxed, friendly stop for people on a night out together, where they can enjoy a tasty appetizer and drink before dinner, or a flavorful dessert and nightcap after dinner," Barvian said. "The atmosphere equally embraces the new and the old, and it couldn’t exist anywhere besides right here."

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