LINCOLN SQUARE — Jean-Yves Martin, pastry chef at Beans & Bagels for the past five years, is recovering after being attacked outside Beans' Rockwell location early Friday morning after an argument with a man he found urinating on the cafe's window, police said.
Officers were called to Martin's aid at 4:10 a.m. Friday, according to a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department.
After Martin got into an argument with the man urinating on one of the cafe's windows, the man and three of his companions attacked Martin, punching and kicking him, the police spokesman said.
Martin was treated at Swedish Covenant Hospital and released, the spokesman said, adding that no one was in custody and the only description of the offenders is "male."
Beans & Bagels informed customers of the attack on Martin over the weekend via social media and signs posted on the cafe's door.
Patty Wetli focused on "Beans and Bagels" earlier this year while on the "Treat Beat:"
"The good news is that he will be OK. But the injuries he sustained will prevent us from offering his superb pastries and viennoiserie in the near future. Please keep Jean-Yves in your thoughts during this very challenging time," the cafe said.
Martin's pastries, in particular his chocolate croissant, have earned him legions of fans, many of whom expressed shock and outrage at the attack and sent well-wishes to the chef.
"That is so scary and terrible! Hoping for a speedy recovery," read a typical Facebook comment.
On Sunday, employees at the cafe, 2601 W. Leland Ave., said several customers had popped in to ask about Martin and offer their assistance, be it financial or otherwise. Managers are considering options for how people can help, the workers said.
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