West Englewood has its own Starbucks.
Local officials were in attendance for a ribbon cutting at a brand new Starbucks location at 5807 S. Western Ave. bordering Gage Park.
The fact that the nation’s most prominent coffee chain chose to open a location at 58th and Western in a predominantly Black and Brown South Side community is significant for an area community leaders believe is on the upswing.
“Welcoming Starbucks to our community is a momentous occasion. It signifies not only economic growth but also a reaffirmation of our neighborhood’s potential and appeal. I’m thrilled to see new businesses recognizing the value that Englewood holds,” said Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th).
The new store is less than three miles from the Englewood Starbucks by 63rd and Halsted, another location patronized by Black coffee lovers.
Adds Pastor Leslie Sanders of nearby Hope Presbyterian Church, “The African-American community has proven through its travels to other communities that Starbucks can be very successful within the very core of our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, there are only a few examples. We are hopeful that this all-new West Englewood location will serve as a paradigm shift in welcoming more Starbucks developments in the black community.”