Here on our blog, we love to highlight businesses from the neighborhood. As a part of our Local Business Spotlight series, we’re excited to introduce you to Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart of KOVAL Distillery. As President of KOVAL, she has spearheaded product development, distribution, and marketing, turning her family business into an international presence with availability in over 55 export markets. In addition to her leadership at KOVAL, Sonat is also involved in a number of philanthropic and public service organizations, and serves on the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) of Chicago. She was recently named Illinois Business Person of the Year by the National Small Business Association, is a federally appointed member of the Illinois Export Council (DEC), and has been inducted into the prestigious Disciples d’Escoffier.
What are the primary services and/or products that you offer? What are you most known for?
Sonat: We craft a line of organic spirits, but we also have a beautiful tasting room and additional spaces to host your next event!
What inspired you to start your own business?
Sonat: My husband and I wanted to return to the city I grew up in here in Chicago and create a business where we could work more closely together and build towards our future and family.
What about your business are you most proud of?
Sonat: KOVAL is committed to supporting the local community. It sources its grains very locally in the Midwest and is heavily involved in supporting different charities throughout Chicagoland– this community allowed KOVAL to grow and flourish so it’s only natural for KOVAL to support the community in return!
When is the busiest time of the year for your business?
Sonat: The spring through the summer.
What do you love most about having a business in Ravenswood?
Sonat: The group of people in this area are so supportive and collaborative! There are so many instances of small businesses coming together to help each other and the community stepping up to better Ravenswood. It’s amazing to be ingrained in a community that is full of active stewards for the space.
What’s the biggest challenge in running your business?
Sonat: I think helping people realize we aren’t just a bottle of whiskey you can pick up at the local Binny’s. We want more people to come visit us, see our distillery, have a drink in the tasting room or come to an event. Yes, we are beyond proud of the spirits we make, but we are also a place for community and connection! Visit us, come to a book swap, have an event here, the possibilities are endless!
What’s the “biggest win” in your business’s history? Explain what it was, how it came about, and what it meant to your business.
Sonat: We’ve been fortunate with many successes, but something I reflect on as a biggest win would be during Covid being able to switch production from spirits to sanitizer to help with the shortage. It really impressed on me the impact and potential for good what we built had, and that was an indescribable feeling.
What’s something people find surprising to learn about your business?
Sonat: People recognize our spirits but are surprised to know they can visit our distillery and tasting room here in Ravenswood and even host events here!
How do you give back and engage with the Ravenswood community?
Sonat: We are very involved with the Chamber and Malt Row, host events for the chamber at our space and our President is an active presence and speaker in many events!
Are there any fun facts about your staff that you can share with us?
Sonat: Before founding KOVAL, I was a professor in Academia for 10 years!
Spotlight another local business! Please list your fave spots in Ravenswood. (Ex: Your fave spot for a morning coffee or after-work beer, your go-to lunch spot, etc)
Sonat: We love grabbing our morning coffee at Bad Coffee and picking up lunch at BienMeSabe!
What is your favorite neighborhood event?
Sonat: Ravenswood On Tap!
What is your favorite scene from a movie?
Sonat: This is hard! There’s always something especially appealing about foreign films, I feel like they show us snippets of lives we could have had, and “In the Mood for Love” is particularly beautiful, so I’m going with the corridor glance scenes from it. The slow motion and long cuts are entrancing and the atmosphere Kar Wai creates of the characters moving in and out of each other’s lives while being just out of reach is a masterclass in building emotional tension.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Sonat: I have to say “Dancing Queen”! I like something feel-good that can get everyone into the spirit, and ABBA is a classic.
What’s your favorite quote and who said it?
Sonat: “You’ve only really been where you’ve been on foot.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
What sports teams do you root for?
Sonat: Cubs!
If you could throw a parade, what kind of parade would it be?
Sonat: I’ve never thought of this! I would have a pet parade to celebrate everybody’s favorite furry friend!
What’s the best thing about living in Chicago?
Sonat: The best thing about living in Chicago is the city’s accessibility and connection to arts and culture! There are so many museums, art exhibits, new restaurants, etc. to explore. I feel it is a unique place to grow a more global perspective and connect with a wide range of communities!
If you weren’t running your business, what job might you be working?
Sonat: Probably still teaching!
What is your favorite thing about being a GRCC member?
Sonat: Everyone at the GRCC is so responsive and genuinely wants to support us the best they can.
How has GRCC helped to grow your business?
Sonat: The GRCC has been so supportive helping us plug into the community here!
What types of events or programs would you like to see more of from GRCC?
Sonat: The events that encourage people to explore the small businesses here are the best!
KOVAL Distillery
4241 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
www.koval-distillery.com
