Dan Mataragas, owner of Sweet Berry Café in South Elgin, has a story that embodies resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in the restaurant industry, Dan learned the ins and outs of the business from his family. In 2013, after being deemed "overqualified" for restaurant management positions, Dan decided to carve his own path. With just $3,000 to his name and a 16-year-old pickup truck held together with zip ties, he took a leap of faith.

Dan found a shuttered restaurant space with most of the equipment intact, signed a lease with a supportive landlord, and funded his dream by maxing out credit cards. It wasn’t easy—Dan worked tirelessly, taking no days off for years, and hired trusted colleagues from his past jobs to get the café up and running. Twelve years later, Sweet Berry Café is thriving, a testament to Dan’s vision and perseverance.

Sweet Berry Café is not your average breakfast and brunch spot. Known for its chef-driven, rotating specials, the café offers unique, flavorful creations that push the boundaries of traditional breakfast fare. Their menu features a full plant-based section made with real, wholesome ingredients—no fake meats here—and gluten-free options that have been available since day one. For meat lovers, the café serves high-quality offerings, including extra-thick maple bacon, jumbo maple sausage links, savory pot roast, and more, sourced through exclusive vendor relationships. A standout favorite is their homemade salsas for the chilaquiles, crafted by Chef Jesus, who has been part of Dan’s team since they were teenagers.

Surviving the pandemic was no small feat for Sweet Berry Café. Unlike some competitors, they adhered to state mandates, earning respect and loyalty from their customers. Despite rising costs, Dan refused to compromise on portion sizes or product quality. This dedication has solidified the café’s reputation for exceptional food and service.

Recently, Sweet Berry Café underwent a complete remodel, transforming the dining space into a modern, luxurious environment. They also launched a direct ordering app, bypassing third-party delivery fees, and introduced a new beverage program featuring "Brunchtails" to elevate the dining experience. In 2023, Sweet Berry Cafe was voted “Best Brunch” in the NW Suburbs by the Daily Herald. In December 2024, Sweet Berry Cafe was voted “Best Breakfast Restaurant” by Elgin Community Votes.

Sweet Berry Café, located at 720 N McLean Blvd. in South Elgin, continues to be a cornerstone of the community, supporting local charities and schools. As Dan says, "If you want to have your own business, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Stay focused, work hard, and success will follow."

Visit Sweet Berry Café in South Elgin and experience the dedication, innovation, and heart that define #OnlyAtTheBerry. For more information, call (224) 238-3057 or visit sweetberrycafe.net. Follow Sweet Berry Cafe on social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok @sweetberrycafe.