Meet Laura "Lola" Renner -
I was 21 years-old when Josef's had been open for three weeks and I had found myself, at that time, a single mom and determined to support myself and my son, Thomas.
I walked into Josef's looking for a job and left with a family.
I first met Cherri who, if you aren't familiar with, is a bubbly and kind-hearted person. I asked for an application and was told they were not hiring, but I was too determined to walk away. Cherri and I began chatting about our children, both age 2 at the time, and truly bonded over that.
I was told multiple times that they had a full staff and being the determined person I am, I went back to Josef's the next day and left with a job.
Needless to say, over the years I worked my way from hosting to a cocktail waitress to bartending to managing their sister bar, Pearl, and now to ownership.
As years passed, I changed my career path to the pharmacy industry, and shortly after medical cannabis. I kept my determination in these positions as well and worked my way up to being a regional manager. It was then that I wanted to take the next step and I opened my first business, The Hemp Center of Northern Illinois, in April of 2019.
When I got wind of the possible selling of Josef's I went directly to Josef and Cherri and told them that I wanted to take ownership over. I couldn't bear to see Josef's change from its original goal -
Rockford's number 1 fine dining experience.
I took over ownership of Josef's in December of 2019 and I plan to continue Josef's and Cherri's original vision while adding a few modern twists!
If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Laura "Lola" Renner