His partner is a seasoned business owner of more than 20 years who has lived the last eight of them in Englewood. Bailey began his business resume with the Literary Explosion bookstore in Wicker Park. He then owned and operated the Beat Parlor in Wicker Park from 1993 to 1998. Before opening the Dream Cafe, he had six successful years on the club scene with Slick's Lounge in the Near North neighborhood.