From the vantage point of her apartment building’s roof, Sophie Frere observes a daily spectacle. Some call it mass hypnosis, while others describe it as justified enthusiasm. Two months ago, Frere relocated to Chicago, settling near Wicker Park, directly across from the highly popular Filipino restaurant Kasama. Noticing the seemingly endless line, she questioned her neighbor about its significance. While her neighbor explained that it was a Michelin-starred attraction, Frere couldn’t help but wonder: with so many culinary options in Chicago, why was this line present every day?
Frere, born in San Diego but possessing the refined accent of her London upbringing, decided to document the phenomenon. She created a TikTok account, @kasamahowwefeelin, featuring footage of the queue outside Kasama. Her videos quickly attracted attention, garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Her second video alone amassed over 200,000 views. Currently, her videos receive between 600,000 to 700,000 views each, suggesting high interest.
Despite the large viewership, the content primarily shows the line’s stagnancy. Frere’s recordings from her roof resemble Andy Warhol’s still experimental films, capturing cinematic inactivity. Once, she live-streamed the queue, attracting 700 watchers. Surprisingly, they were captivated by this motionless sight.
On a humorous note, Frere entertained the idea of hiring DJs to play for those in line. This resulted in 300 direct messages from DJs offering their services. Consequently, she organized a few to perform on September 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Frere’s curiosity extends beyond mere fascination. Previously residing in California, she worked in tech focusing on AI and consumer behavior. Growing weary of the corporate tech world, the Stanford graduate moved to Chicago to pursue law or psychology at Northwestern, still undecided.
Frere explores the dynamics of lines, noting each person in it has a unique story. Eavesdropping on conversations, she overhears diverse narratives from tourists, families, young couples, and hipsters. Many complain about the two-hour wait to sample Kasama’s viral breakfast sandwich. Upon inquiry about their experience, patrons often describe it as ‘amazing,’ prompting Frere to question if they exaggerate to rationalize their long wait. TikTok comments often contradict these verbal assurances, with many labeling it as average.
Historically, lines, or queues, have European roots. In 14th-century England, villagers were mandated to wait for their turn at wells, regardless of status. David Andrews’ book, “Why Does the Other Line Always Move Faster,” elaborates on this evolution, noting lines weren’t common until the 19th century. In 1837, Thomas Carlyle commented on the unusual sight of Parisians queuing for bread during the French Revolution.
Kasama’s line, since its 2020 inception, differs from usual queues. Previously, Chicagoans waited for trend-based consumables like doughnuts and cupcakes. Social media now fuels the fear of missing out, prompting lines at bakeries citywide.
Frere confesses she partakes in the Kasama line too, contributing to its popularity. She acknowledges her videos might bolster the line’s allure. Nearby, she often witnesses the chaos of line-goers mingling with cyclists, Uber drop-offs, and motorists circumventing the congestion. On days Kasama closes, lines form out of habit.
Even when she tries to sleep in, Frere remains dedicated to documenting the line, receiving regular inquiries about its status. She jokingly refers to her updates as community service.
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