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Happy Grand Opening, Southside Market & Cafe!

Southside Market & Cafe celebrated their Grand Opening on Friday, October 24, 2025 with over 100 co-op members and their community of partners and supporters!

Southside Market & Cafe ribbon cutting

Southside Market & Cafe ribbon cutting. (Photo provided by Mabel Shiu)

This co-op is a micro-grocery store and cafe (1,400 sq ft!) located inside a former corner store that has been vacant for almost 20 years. The Grand Opening comes on the heels of large grocery retailers like Walmart, Aldi and Whole Foods, closing on the South and West sides of Chicago. 

“We are so excited to open this safe, welcoming space that provides increased access to fresh food and opportunities to come together as a neighborhood. We are thankful for the ability to serve our neighbors. We are grateful for the ways that this space will revitalize the block and have a ripple effect on the hearts and minds of [the community]. We hope to see you soon!" 

- Lauren Travis, General Manager of Southside Market & Cafe

General Manager Lauren Travis and co-founder Mabel Shiu

General Manager Lauren Travis (right) and co-founder Mabel Shiu (left). Photo provided by Mercedes Gosby

Southside Market & Cafe staff. From left: Patrice, Lauren and DiDi

Southside Market & Cafe staff. From left: Patrice, Lauren and DiDi. (Photo provided by Mercedes Gosby)

Inside the store, co-op members and neighbors can buy local fresh produce, dry goods, frozen food, drinks made to order and a rotating selection of prepared meals from chefs and entrepreneurs of color.

Produce section inside Southside Market & Cafe

Produce & dry goods sections inside Southside Market & Cafe. (Photo provided by Allanah Hines)

Key facts about Southside Market & Cafe:

  • Location: Chicago, IL (population: 2.7 million)
  • Incorporated: Jan 2025
  • Opened: October 2025
  • Size: 1,400 sq ft total
  • Number of owners at opening: 106
  • General Manager at opening: Lauren Travis

“I had the joy of attending the grand opening and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. From the moment I walked in, the warmth and excitement were palpable. The team radiated with pride and purpose! The energy was contagious!  Congratulations to the entire team!”
- Allanah Hines, Startup Resource Manager, Development Cooperative of National Co+op Grocers

Coffee and snacks purchased from Southside Market & Cafe

Coffee and snacks purchased from Southside Market & Cafe. (Photo provided by Allanah Hines)

Group photo inside Southside Market & Cafe

Group photo inside Southside Market & Cafe. Photo provided by Mabel Shiu.

Store hours are 8 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday and the co-op is open to the public.

Address: 433 E 79th St. Chicago, IL 60619

Congratulations, Southside Market & Cafe!

In Cooperation, 

The FCI Team
 

PO Box 327
Londonderry, VT 05148
United States

 

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