Life & Work with Lawrence Letrero

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawrence Letrero.  

Hi Lawrence, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I came to Chicago in 2006 to go to culinary school and have been here ever since. We opened Bayan Ko in the fall of 2018. Bayan Ko is a Filipino Cuban mash-up in Ravenswood. Me being Filipino and Raquel being Cuban, we really do put ourselves and our culture into our food and service. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Having been a Chef for 15 years now, I’ve been a part of many openings, successful projects, some not so successful projects, so you learn a lot through the years. But nothing prepares you for ownership. You’re not only the Chef. One day you’re doing basic accounting; one day you’re a plumber, etc.; you wear so many hats, and you’re nonstop leading and mentoring. So it’s not for everyone, but definitely rewarding. The pandemic, like for all of us, was the most difficult time. But as a small business, making it through the other side of the pandemic showed us we can make it through anything. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am father to my 7-year-old daughter Juliet first and foremost. Nothing is more important to me over her. And that’s what I try to let others in my profession know. I’m a firm believer that if you put your family first, your professional life will prosper. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That I do a mean Michael Jackson impersonation. 

Contact Info:

• Website: bayankochicago.com
• Instagram: @bayankochicago
• Facebook: @bayankochicago

Image Credits
Kristen Mendiola