In this episode of Notes from Chicago, Ashley sits down with Marc Schulman, President of Eli’s Cheesecake, to explore the remarkable story behind one of the most iconic names in Chicago food.

From its beginnings in 1940 as a family-owned coffee shop founded by Eli Schulman, to becoming a nationally recognized brand featured at Taste of Chicago, this conversation dives deep into Chicago’s relationship with the cheesecake brand and the power of building a lasting family business.

Follow Eli's Cheesecake Company:

Website: https://elicheesecake.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elischeesecake

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In this episode, Tonika Lewis Johnson, a Chicago native and social justice artist, discusses her impactful work, including the Folded Map Project, which visualizes segregation in Chicago. Tonika talks about her latest project, Unblocked Englewood, and the day she learned she was selected to be Chicago’s next MacArthur ‘Genius’ Fellow.

Follow Tonika Lewis Johnson:

Website: https://tonikajohnson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TonikaJ

Follow Notes from Chicago:

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173

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In this special year-end episode of "Notes from Chicago," Ashley and podcast producer Tanisha Blakely reflect on things they love and hate about Chicago. Join them as they share memorable moments from past guests. Don't miss out on this final episode of the year before the show returns in January 2026!

Follow Tanisha Blakely:

• Website: https://www.tanishablakely.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tanishablakely

Follow Notes from Chicago:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago