Monday Coffee, an experiential coffee company, just opened its first cafe in the North Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago on Nov. 9.

Co-founders Amanda Christine Harth, who is the company’s CEO, and Felton Kizer, who is the head roaster, specialize in cold brew. They previously completed residencies at the Garfield Park Conservatory, SoHo House and Retreat at Currency Exchange Café by artist Theaster Gates.

Their debut cafe is located in a new building called Starling, designed as a “space for liberation,” according to its developers.

When asked what may have emerged as an early staff or fan favorite, Harth had a surprising answer: “I think, honestly, just us being here,” she said. “Just this cafe being open. Every day, people in the area are coming by and they’re like, ‘We’re so happy that y’all are here. We’re so happy that y’all are open.’”

“I feel like the cafe is becoming a favorite for designers, photographers and TikTokers,” Harth said. “Because it is a beautiful space.”

By Louisa Kung Liu Chu

November 18, 2024