Meet a Mom: Community, Connection and Great Food with Laura Nessel!

Hello friendly faces! It’s a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.

Laura Nessel knows a thing or two about bringing people together over a great meal. As the Director of Marketing & Sales for Wildfire Restaurants, one of the North Shore’s most beloved restaurants, she’s spent the past two decades shaping the brand’s presence and connecting with the community through food. But beyond her professional role, Laura is also deeply committed to giving back—especially through her work as event chair for The Dragonfly Foundation’s annual Night of Courage: Casino for a Cause” happening this year on Saturday, May 3 in Northbrook. This meaningful event raises funds to support families who have a child undergoing cancer treatments, a cause close to her heart. We caught up with Laura to chat about her professional growth throughout her tenure at Wildfire, life as a busy mom (see relevant mantra below), and how we can all get involved in the upcoming Night of Courage event! Welcome, Laura!

 

 

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Hi Laura! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?

Hi Chicago North Shore Moms! I’m Laura Nessel, born and raised in Buffalo Grove, and now living in Deerfield. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Hospitality Management, I moved to the city with my college friend, and then into an apartment with my now-husband. After 15 months in the city with a toddler, we realized it was time to head back to the suburbs to be closer to family. While I was excited for a basement and a yard, I’ll admit I do miss that daily walk across Erie Street to work!

I’m so grateful to live near both my parents and in-laws, who are incredibly supportive. Plus, my big brother lives just five minutes away, and his kids are the same age as mine. It’s such a gift for our kids to grow up with cousins so close in age, and nothing beats our Sunday night dinners, where we order Wildfire and Big Bowl to satisfy everyone!

My husband and I have been together since high school, and while I joke that he’s the world’s best house manager, the truth is he’s the most helpful partner. He’s always putting gourmet meals on the table after long nights of carpooling, picking up after me and the girls, attending all the kids’ events, and still giving me the freedom to play pickleball as much as I want!

 

 

Tell us about your children and feel free to brag away.

I have two amazing daughters, 11 and 9, who could not be more different. From their looks – one blonde and blue-eyed and the other curly brunette with dark brown eyes – to their personality – one more sensitive, yet sassy and oh so determined – to the other who is a stitch, gives zero f*cks and is such a lover – I often wonder how they’re related. They do have some shared interests, though—both play travel soccer and are on competitive hip-hop dance teams, so needless to say, my nights are filled with endless carpooling . They also both go to Chippewa overnight camp, which I genuinely believe is the most magical place on earth!

 

 

What are one or two fun facts to know about you?

I wake up at 5:04am Monday through Friday and snooze 2-4 times, yet still make it to my 5:45am workout class at Pulse Fitness.

I met Michael Jackson when I was in 4th grade and on vacation in Vegas. My brother and I got to meet him, chat with him and even got a picture with him. We ended up in the news once we got back!

 

 

In addition to Wildfire, what are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent?

-Pulse Fitness is like my second home and my sanity all wrapped into one. The coaches are beyond knowledgeable, and the members are fantastic—there’s such an incredible sense of community. My focus is all about being strong, not skinny, and Pulse makes that a reality for me.

-DeNucci’s is my new local fave. Whether it’s a girls dinner, night out with the fam or with couples on a Saturday night, I just love the vibe. The grilled calamari, pizza and pistachio blondie sundae also help 😉

-Renu is a go to for me for my eyebrow wax, a great mani and the best massage I’ve ever had in my life.

-Ema Glenview is such a great addition to the suburban restaurant scene, and not just because it sits in my work parking lot. It’s my ideal spot for a girls dinner to share endless hummus, spreads and sweet potato latkes. Pro tip: ask for the gluten-free crackers, even if you aren’t gluten-free!

-Jewel Deerfield bakery – if you haven’t ordered a brookie cake from the Jewel on Waukegan & Deerfield Rd., what are you waiting for? Gabby is the most incredible cake decorator and always knocks it out of the park for every birthday party.

 

Your mantra?

“If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” – This quote resonates with me so much. I often yearn for more hours in a day – from juggling a full time job, my volunteer positions with the PTO and Dragonfly, a social life, lots of pickleball and just trying to be the best wife, Mom, daughter, sister, cousin and Aunt I can be – there is just never enough time. But I thrive off of an overflowing plate – and some people are just wired to get shit done, no matter how busy they are.

“Do what you love.” – This is a lesson my Mom instilled in me from a very young age. I grew up watching her love what she did as a music teacher for 25 years and a choral director for over 30 years. Watching her love what she did has shaped how I approach my own life. I believe the reason I’ve found lasting success in both my relationships and career is because I followed her example – choosing to do what I love and surrounding myself with the people I care about.

 

Let’s get down to business. Please introduce your professional endeavors. How long have you worked for Wildfire, how did you start there, how has your role changed since you began all those years ago?

From a young age, I knew I had a passion for the hospitality industry. For me, food was always the best kind of medicine. During the winter break of my freshman year in college, I had the opportunity to meet with Howard Katz, the President of Wildfire, to discuss a potential summer internship. That conversation led me to an unforgettable summer in June 2004, where I began my internship at Wildfire Oak Brook. I attended weekly meetings with leaders from Lettuce Entertain You, gaining valuable insights into every aspect of the restaurant business. I was immediately hooked.

I returned to Wildfire during every college break, eager to learn and help wherever I could. For the next two summers, I continued my internship at Wildfire Schaumburg and Wildfire Glenview, honing in on the various roles within the company and figuring out where I would best fit.
Seven days after graduating, I was thrilled to begin my role as the Parties & Special Events Assistant at Wildfire Chicago. There, I worked both behind the scenes and on the restaurant floor on a variety of special events—everything from rehearsal dinners to corporate gatherings—ensuring each event was a memorable experience. A few years later, I was promoted to Parties & Special Events Divisional Assistant, overseeing the departments across all seven Wildfire locations. This role allowed me to travel to different stores and collaborate with diverse management teams.

Eventually, I took on the role of Director of Marketing & Sales, where I spearhead corporate initiatives, manage campaigns, drive digital marketing efforts, create promotional materials, and coordinate PR efforts. I also work on strategic partnerships and collaborate closely with leadership to keep the brand relevant. Twenty years later, my job is still evolving as we adapt to social media trends and work to stay fresh in a competitive market.
Through it all, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to market a brand that everyone knows and loves. It’s a job that keeps me challenged and inspired every day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

What are your favorite dishes at Wildfire?

The Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut is a seasonal dish that I can never get enough of. Of course I love the Wildfire Chopped Salad, but I also enjoy my heavily modified Greek Salad that I eat multiple times a week where I change up the protein from grilled chicken, to mediterranean chicken skewers, shrimp cocktail or salmon.

If I’m in the mood for a burger, I love the Bison Burger. I add pepper jack cheese, sauteed mushrooms and bbq sauce – it always satisfies my craving!
The seasonal berry crisp with ice cream never gets old. Fresh berries, warm berry sauce, gluten free oatmeal raisin cookie crumble and vanilla ice cream. It’s my ideal dessert!

 

Does Wildfire have any specials, promotions you’d like the CNSM audience to know about?

This year, Wildfire is celebrating 30 years! It is pretty amazing that I grew up going to Wildfire as a little girl, and now I get to spearhead a year long marketing campaign to celebrate this incredible milestone. I vividly remember celebrating birthdays and holidays when I was a kid. Since working there, I have also hosted so many special moments in my life there. From my college graduation party with friends and families, my engagement dinner, my brother and sister-in-law’s rehearsal dinner, my Mom’s retirement party, both of my daughter’s 1st birthday parties, and birthdays galore.

Every Monday we feature 50% off a select list of bottles of wine. It’s a perfect time to try a wine that wouldn’t necessarily be in your budget otherwise!
Most of you reading this have either hosted or attended a shower in a Wildfire private room. Each location features several private rooms ideal for corporate events, family gatherings and celebrations. We have rooms from 8 – 125 people. But, if you can’t come to us, then we can come to you! Our Wildfire catering menus always please a crowd and can be delivered to your home or office. Our Parties & Special Events teams are the best of the best and will be there to help you plan and execute a truly special occasion from beginning to end.

We have an incredible line-up of wine, beer and spirit events each month. Each event features a four or five course custom menu each paired with a different varietal, craft brew or cocktail based on the event. If you haven’t been to one before, I highly recommend checking out our calendar of events and making a reservation!

 

You also spend time volunteering at The Dragonfly Foundation. Tell us a little bit about that nonprofit.

The Dragonfly Foundation is a 501(c)(3) pediatric cancer nonprofit organization that supports local pediatric cancer patients and their families by offering strength, courage and joy during a time when they need it the most. They do this by fulfilling urgent requests that come through front-line staff at all 8 partner hospitals in the Chicagoland area and by offering a variety of programs to support those they serve throughout treatment and beyond.
While the Chicago chapter only started in March of 2020, they have already assisted over 800 families throughout the Chicagoland area and raised over $600,000 to support families. The demand for services is growing and we look forward to continuing to make an impact on those affected by pediatric cancer.

 

What is your role at The Dragonfly Foundation?

This is my 4th year on the Advisory Board! As development chair on the executive committee, my role is to spread awareness, motivate others to get involved, oversee fundraising efforts, and work with the other board members to continue growing this impactful organization. I am also proud to be the event chair for the 4th Annual Dragonfly Night of Courage event on May 3, 2025 at Fields Lexus in Glenview.

 

Chicago North Shore Moms is proud to be a media sponsor of the Night of Courage! It’s such a fun and impactful event. What can we expect this year?

For this year’s gala, we are bringing back the casino night theme! “Night of Courage: Casino for a Cause” will be a fabulous evening filled with casino game play, bidding opportunities, fabulous prizes, entertainment by DJ & Violinist Kat V, a seated program featuring a Dragonfly patient, open bar, piercings by Dana Rebecca, passed appetizers and handheld dinner stations from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, dessert, an incredible silent and live auction, and more!

 

 

How are the funds used for families?

With funds raised, we can continue to fulfill day-to-day essential needs (brought to our attention through front-line staff at all eight of our area partner hospitals), such as gas cards, grocery cards, household essentials, toys and more. We create community – by providing opportunities for our families to enjoy sporting events, holiday outings and fun experiences, which provide a distraction from their daily treatments.Our many hospital programs help our partner clinical teams provide stellar, developmentally appropriate care such as our hair loss kits and treatment-related stuffed animals. To learn more, purchase tickets or simply donate via this link This event is not to be missed!

 

What are the opportunities to sponsor this gala and what’s included with a ticket purchase?

We have several sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,000 – $20,000. Each level includes a specific number of tickets to the event as well as acknowledgement throughout the marketing of the event and at the event itself. Our sponsors ensure that the event itself is a great success, help us raise critical funds, and is a fabulous marketing opportunity as logos will be in front of a local, influential crowd. Please visit the event site to learn more about available opportunities!

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Dragonfly?

Jessica Merar, the Director of The Dragonfly Foundation of Chicago, is an incredibly inspiring person. She was once my sorority sister, but today she’s much more—she’s a dear friend whom I deeply admire and respect. The passion she has for helping others is something we can all learn from, and it’s a lesson I make sure to share with my kids from an early age. We should always be grateful for our health and lend a hand to those in need. I’m especially proud when my daughter comes home from school, full of excitement about sharing what she’s been doing in her philanthropy club. Like my mom always says, “They’re always watching,” and I’m proud to set an example by volunteering my time to help others.

Please join us at “Night of Courage: Casino for a Cause!”