By Keri Lynch

In January 2006, Jami Max and Mena Daniel learned the graphic design and photo lab companies where they worked were being sold, and the two friends wondered what to do next. Not "corporate types," they considered their own business. The only question was what kind.

In a chance meeting with another friend, they got their answer: "Coffee, girls!"

Although neither woman had retail or foodservice experience, they started scouting locations. Driving around Uptown in March, Max spotted an empty storefront. Soon after, she and Daniel signed a lease on the space and began construction.

Mocha Café opened at 4133 N. Sheridan Rd. on August 24, 2006, to eagerly waiting customers. Meanwhile, inside, the two owners grew worried.

"We panicked," Max said. "We didn't want to open the doors. We had no bank (account for the business) and people were here!"

By David Lister

Jane Traynor is used to customers not knowing exactly what the pizza place she manages sells. At least once a week someone asks her if they sell pizza by the slice, or a first-time customer who placed a pick-up order will have a confused look on their face when handed their pizza.

"Probably about 30 percent of the people [who come into the store] don't know it's uncooked pizza," said Traynor, manager of Homemade Pizza Company at 1953 W. Wabash Ave.

Despite the confusion, the pizza place has found a niche in the Chicago market and plans to move into other areas. Traynor, who has been with Homemade for two-and-a-half years, said the company's success can be attributed to its uniqueness in the pizza industry.

"We're in a class of our own," she said. "We're gourmet takeout."