An unlikely path to cookbook store ownership

Chicago’s cookbook store Read It & Eat opened in 2015, bucking a trend of cookbook store closings. It was the first cookbook store in Chicago, and is dedicated to providing food lovers with exceptional culinary experiences through carefully selected books, classes and discussions. The shelves are filled with food and drink books on various topics including cookbooks, travel, biographies, essays and history. In-store events and a cookbook club help readers connect with the books.

Owner Esther Dairiam’s path to opening a bookstore for food lovers was not straightforward, as we learn in a recent podcast from Modern Mrs. Darcy. Esther’s background isn’t in food or in books, but rather in management consulting. A trip to Paris a few years ago inspired her to open a store dedicated to food and cooking as none existed in the Chicago area. 

The podcast includes, as you might expect, discussion of cookbooks, food, and how they bring people together. In addition, Esther talks about what makes a great memoir and her favorite childhood tomes. When you are done listening to the podcast, read the 2015 EYB cookbook store profile of Read It & Eat.