More about us
Our Name
Our establishment, Cobblestone, draws inspiration from the historic connection between the Old and New Worlds. The name reflects the European tradition of paving cities and towns with granite cobblestones, a timeless element of medieval architecture. To honor this heritage, we’ve incorporated old granite cobbles into the design of our restaurant’s doorstep and sidewalk café. The renovation of our façade and outdoor spaces further enhances the connection to European roots.
Meet the Team
General Manager
Adrian Gaytan
Adrian Gaytan brings nearly a decade of restaurant management experience to his role at Cobblestone, where he recently joined the team to help elevate the guest experience and beverage program. Throughout his career, Adrian has built and collaborated on some of Chicago’s best cocktail programs, including menus at the award-winning Scofflaw and The Dawson, which was recently nominated for Best Cocktail Program in Chicago Reader. Known for his passion for craft cocktails and his dedication to exceptional service, Adrian has a proven track record of creating innovative and approachable drink menus while leading teams to success. At Cobblestone, he is excited to continue bringing his expertise and creativity to the table, ensuring a memorable experience for every guest.
Executive Chef
Horacio “Junior” Fonseca
In 2024, Cobblestone Restaurant welcomed the talented Executive Chef Horacio Junior, a rising star in the culinary world. A native of the neighborhood, Chef Junior has returned to create innovative dishes close to home. His culinary journey began after experiencing a fusion of French and Mexican flavors, which inspired him to pursue formal training in hospitality and the culinary arts.
With experience in some of Chicago’s top kitchens—such as Chef de Cuisine at Marshall’s Landing, and The Exchange, and Executive Chef at Fish Bar—Chef Junior has developed a passion for sustainable cooking and a deep connection with local farmers. Today, he creates contemporary, comforting dishes using fresh, local ingredients, blending tradition with experimentation. His goal is to craft memorable dining experiences that evoke shared memories and leave a lasting impression.
Markus Chwajol
Proprietor
Markus Chwajol, owner of Cobblestone, is a seasoned restaurateur with deep roots in Chicago’s dining scene. He was the founder of the nationally acclaimed Bohemian House (BoHo), a beloved River North spot known for its Czech, German, Hungarian, and Austrian cuisine with a modern American twist. After selling BoHo in 2019, Markus set out to create a new concept that showcases innovative European cuisine and chose the vibrant North Center neighborhood as the perfect location.
“Our vision for Cobblestone is to be a friendly, exciting community hub where guests can enjoy great food, good conversation, and a relaxed atmosphere—whether they’re dining with family or taking a break from the usual pizza and burgers,” says Markus (Chicago Tribune, March 2020).
