Bronze Boss: Q and A With Peytyn Willborn

There aren’t many Italian restaurants in Bronzeville, why’d you choose that as Truth’s staple cuisine?

Bronzeville was becoming an extremely diverse community. When you look around you see a lot of chicken and soul food restaurants besides the typical fast food restaurants. I love Italian food myself and realized there are other people who go out for a night out with your spouse or friends. The rich kinds of pasta and creamy sauces along with some bar food inspired by Italian menu items was something the community needed.

Tell us a bit about your road to entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship is in my blood. Believe it or not, I have never had an actual job. The spirit of entrepreneurship was with me since high school where I have coined the “school stylist” and did all my classmates hair at Simeon. Once I received my license I began working in a salon and then later opened my first salon at the age of 24. Throughout my hair journey I met many celebrities such as Mo’Nique, which lead to me being the stylist for The Parkers, Moesha, Six Feet Under, and various other projects. After leaving Hollywood, I settled back into Chicago opening a couple of 24-hour daycares, taking on real estate investment and then my latest project Truth Italian Restaurant.

What’s the meaning behind the name, Truth?

Truth means “that which is true or accordance with fact or reality”. I am 100% authentic at all times, and what you see is what you get. I wanted this project to be a true representation of me in all aspects.

Should we look forward to new changes in 2019?

Truth started Breakfast last year and we will continue bringing some of the most unique and flavorful menu items brought to you by Chef Rylon. You will also see some new flavorful menu items on our lunch/dinner menu and more Spring and Summer events brought to you by Truth.