Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Solomon.
Hi Jill, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I sort of fell into this! I’ve been hosting culinary pop-ups for the past decade—what started as a fun and creative outlet evolved overtime. In the beginning, I was mostly focused on the food and experience, but as our brand grew, I naturally found myself learning the business and operations side as well. Through my work with Cow By Bear, I had the opportunity to collaborate with brands like Netflix, the Museum of Modern Art, and a number of local restaurants and companies.
During COVID, I started hosting pop-ups at what is now Good Measure’s location because it offered outdoor dining space. I built a relationship with the owners and stayed in touch over the years. In 2022, Cow By Bear sold. I took a corporate job where I traveled to help open new restaurants across various markets. It was an invaluable experience—learning everything from kitchen buildouts and day-to-day operations to managing teams and scaling systems.
When the owners of Atypical Waffle decided to sell, it felt like the right moment to come full circle. I already knew the space well and believed in its potential, so I jumped at the chance to take it on.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I don’t think I expected it to be. We took a DIY approach to the entire restaurant renovation, which meant we had to be scrappy, adaptable, and figure a lot out as we went.
Just three months before opening, everything seemed to hit at once—I lost a family member, my business partner stepped away, and I fractured my foot. It felt like the rug was pulled out from under me, both personally and professionally. There were moments I really questioned how I was going to keep it all going.
But those challenges reminded me why I wanted to do this in the first place. They pushed me to lean even more into the community I was building, and to keep showing up—even if it meant doing it on crutches lol. After that, most things feel manageable.
Owning a restaurant means wearing every hat, everyday. I’m the cook, the operator, the accountant, the marketer—sometimes the plumber, sometimes the therapist. It’s physically and emotionally exhausting, and there’s no real off switch. There’s always a fire to put out.
The real skill is learning how to ride the highs and lows without letting them throw you off course. Don’t react to everything. Don’t take anything personally. Just show up, stay consistent, and work your ass off.
As you know, we’re big fans of Good Measure . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Good Measure is a daytime brunch spot featuring a seasonal, nostalgia-inspired, comfort-forward menu served in a relaxed, open-air setting. Our coffee and beverage program operates out of a converted Airstream, and the dining area is filled with unique vintage finds. Much of the inspiration comes from a season I spent working in Melbourne, Australia, where I fell in love with the city’s vibrant brunch culture. I felt this concept would really thrive in North Park—especially in this unique location.
In the evenings, we host guest chefs, pop-ups, and collaborative events. I love the idea of Good Measure being more than just a restaurant—a platform where new concepts and creatives can feel supported. This approach has created a natural momentum of fresh ideas and new faces, making the whole experience richer and a lot more fun. It has kept the project exciting and evolving!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Mainly, be humble and pay your dues. Every role plays a part in shaping your perspective and skill set. As you build your resume, be intentional about seeking out roles that help you grow the skills you actually want to develop.
Build a good name for yourself. Don’t get caught up chasing external definitions of success too quickly. Focus on doing solid work, maintaining your integrity, and building real relationships. A strong reputation becomes its own kind of currency and it will carry you further than you think.
And not to sound trite, but take care of yourself so you can show up fully for the work. Know your bandwidth. Get enough sleep. Go to therapy. Have a hobby and friends that have nothing to do with your job. And eat either breakfast or lunch every day. Skip one—but not both!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goodmeasurenp.com/#most-popular
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodmeasurenp/?hl=en
Image Credits
Jorell Ferraren, Jonas Reichert
