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Give Mom, Dad or Grad a Chameleon Café Gift Card and Support this “Made in Akron” Family
Run by Adria Buzek and her four daughters, the restaurant and all the delicious food and drink inside was a dream made reality with her late husband and entrepreneur ,Mike Buzek.
By Shamna Chuwan
“Boy, what a surprise, I'm from NYC, and I can't believe the best frappe I had comes from a place I happened to randomly went into at Akron.” - Feng C. Brooklyn NY
That’s high praise from a New Yorker. The best frappe in Akron started out with a journey to college.
From a tiny town in Southern Ohio, Adria Buzek found herself drawn to The University of Akron’s culinary arts program, where fate and a gig would change the course of her life.
At the gig, she met Mike Buzek, her future husband. "We ended up going on different catering events together," Buzek said.
Then came fate. "One day, the company wasn't ready for us to set the food up yet, so we sat out there for 45 minutes talking."
That moment sparked a romance that led to four daughters and a 22-year marriage. It was also the spark of a partnership in catering and food services that would lead to downtown Akron’s Chameleon Café.
We can also thank… Starbucks?
Adria's daily drive past a busy Starbucks got her thinking about downtown Akron - they needed coffee. "We didn't have coffee across the street," she said, "so I told Mike we have to have coffee."
Thus, in 2016, the couple founded Chameleon Café: a space where people could gather, connect, and savor comforting meals… and of course, coffee.
What started as a three-month commitment, kicked off with immediate challenges. "Our general manager and our executive chef both left us within the first two weeks," Buzek said.
This forced her to step into unfamiliar roles, but fueled by Mike's entrepreneurial spirit, the couple persevered. Mike's passion for entrepreneurship became the driving force behind Chameleon's success. "His passion in life was being an entrepreneur," Adria said. "He went to grade school with a briefcase."
Adria Buzek, her daughters, and their staff will celebrate their upcoming 8th anniversary with pride.
Earlier this year, Mike Buzek passed away after the family faced a new challenge – cancer. The outpouring of support and love from the community demonstrated what an integral part of downtown the Chameleon and its owners have become.
Through the highs and lows, Chameleon Café has remained resilient, supported by family.
Buzek’s daughters and extended family played integral roles in the cafe's growth, from working behind the counter to renovating the space.
As they look towards the future, Adria envisions continued growth and evolution for Chameleon.
"We've seen a tremendous increase in sales," Buzek said, "and I don't see us going anywhere."
With its goals of menu expansions and potentially extending hours, the cafe remains steadfast in its commitment to providing tasty food and a welcoming atmosphere to downtown Akron.
"We're definitely not going anywhere. It's been a tremendous growth, and we're celebrating every single day," Buzek said, reflecting on her family’s journey.
Why not consider a gift card from Chameleon Cafe for graduation, Mother's Day, or Father's Day? With plenty of food and drink options, it is a wonderful way to treat your loved ones to a tasty meal or coffee. Whether it is a family get-together or a casual hangout, the gift card lets them pick their favorites, making it a versatile and practical gift choice.
It’s also a gift choice that will lend support as the Buzek family move forward from their loss. Read the ZipsGuide community call to support Chameleon Café here.
Chameleon Café is located at 23 S. Main Street in downtown Akron. The café has limited seating if you’d like to dine in, and during nice weather, they also have a few tables out front. As a to-go spot, there is usually at least one spot out front to park and make a run inside. Order online and pick up your morning espresso here. Keep up with the specials and new menu features on their Instagram or Facebook page.
Join the community, enjoy great food, and make memories at Chameleon Café.
Mike and Adria Buzek, photo courtesy of Chameleon Café.
The Chameleon Café team enjoys keeping things lighthearted and fun. Photo by Shamna Chuwan.
Inside the colorful café is a small seating area. The café sees lots of to-go business. Photo by Julie Cajigas.
In a call to the community, ZipsGuide asked that everyone show their support during the family's time of loss by purchasing gift cards, so as to not overwhelm them.
Shamna’s Chameleon Experience
You didn’t think we were going to leave you without info on the menu, right?
At Chameleon Cafe, you will find a wide variety of sandwiches, including classics like BLTs and croissant creations, as well as different grilled cheese options. They also offer breakfast dishes and a selection of cold and warm coffee drinks.
“During my recent visit, I tried the Cilantro Lime Chicken Panini, which costs $10.29 for a full portion and $6.29 for a half. The portion size was generous, and the taste was fantastic, especially with the flavorful sauce.
I also tried the chocolate-covered strawberry iced coffee and the Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso, which is the owner's favorite. The strawberry drink was refreshing and delicious, while the Salted Caramel Shaken Espresso had a perfect balance of sweetness and bold coffee flavor.
Overall, the experience at Chameleon Cafe was fantastic. The food was flavorful, and the cafe's dedication to quality was evident in every bite. If you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping by for a delicious meal or coffee.”
Chameleon Cafe Owner's Picks: Must-Try Menu Items
Adria Buzek’s favorite drink on the menu is the salted caramel shaken espresso, a discovery that has become her go-to indulgence. Inspired by a trend from Starbucks, Adria experimented with shaken espresso a couple of years ago, and it quickly became her favorite.
“I don't care if it's negative degrees outside and 2 inches of snow I can still down an iced coffee no matter what,” she said.
The cafe also offers a powerful kick with their 24-hour cold brew concentrate, adding an extra caffeine boost to their frappes, ensuring customers get the energy they need. When it comes to sandwiches, the Cilantro Lime Chicken Panini takes the lead, closely followed by the Sweet Potato Black Bean Burrito, a hit among vegetarians.
Surprisingly, the Kimchi Melt, introduced a year ago, has also gained popularity as a vegetarian option. Adria raves about the flavors of the Panini, noting that even a half portion paired with a side salad or soup is incredibly satisfying.
And speaking of soups, the Chicken and Dumpling steals the show with its hearty Amish-made dumplings, followed closely by classics like Broccoli Cheddar and Chicken Tortilla. As the menu grows and evolves, Chameleon Cafe remains dedicated to delivering delicious flavors, ensuring every bowl of soup is a comforting delight for patrons.
To reach content author Shamna Chuwan, email her here.
Downtown Akron Partnership Announces Downtown Dollars E-Gift Card Program > read more here.
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