Monday Coffee has made its debut in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side, bringing a flair of experiential coffee to the area with the opening of its first stationary cafe. Alongside the enticing aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans and a menu that includes a brown sugar cardamom cold brew drawing in the locals, Monday Coffee’s arrival at the Starling Community Center aims to be more than just a coffee stop; it’s an intersection of culture, community engagement, and culinary exploration.
Launched and helmed by co-founders Amanda Christine Harth and Felton Kizer, the coffee shop, nestled at 3243 W. 16th St., has become an instant attraction not only for North Lawndale’s residents but for creatives and social media influencers looking for an ambient space, filled with art, books, and a 30-year-old coffee bean roaster that, according to Harth, stands as a testament to the neighborhood s historical neglect and current rejuvenation. “Just this cafe being open” is what Harth identified as an early fan favorite in a report by theChicago Tribune.
According toBlock Club Chicago, the Starling Community Center, spearheaded by Duo Development, embodies the antidote to what the neighborhood has been missing a safe and vibrant communal space. Harth emphasized the importance of such locales especially “for Black people, Brown people, to have a safe space to exist,” which became increasingly scarce in the wake of the pandemic. The $1 million Starling project has been fueled by a mix of crowdfunding, grants and a steadfast vision to revive the community.
The new cafe space does more than treat patrons with coffee; it serves as an educational enclave for those wanting to learn about the craft of coffee roasting a trade with its roots firmly planted in Africa. “Coffee is inherently Black,” Kizer highlighted, adding to the narrative that Monday Coffee doesn’t just aim to be a mere coffee vendor but a platform for cultural connection and awareness, as told byBlock Club Chicago.
Despite being a relatively new addition to the Chicago coffee scene, the cafe’s attendance has been strong, with nearly 200 guests participating in their grand opening, which featured free drip coffee and coffee bean roasting demonstrations. As they plan for the future, Monday Coffee envisions hosting a variety of community-building events in their new space, eager to educate patrons not just about the drink in their cup, but the history behind every sip.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply