A new cafe with an emphasis on building connections is coming soon to Rogers Park.
Owners Joshua and Lynn Marshall are planning Monarch Community Cafe for 7010 N Clark Street in Rogers Park. This is meant to be a gathering space, cafe and coffee shop. Joshua told What Now Chicago he is hoping for an early November opening.
It’s described as a place with good food and where meaningful connections can be made. Joshua and Lynn have been raising money for their new project online. Now, they are past their goal of $25,000, and with a community of backers, the project is moving forward.
“What if a cafe wasn’t just a place to grab coffee, but a place to slow down, share stories and to build something deeper?” Josh said in a recently made video about the cafe.
Lynn grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and Josh came to the city from Northeast Ohio. Josh has previous experience at coffee companies like Intelligentsia Coffee and was keenly interested in Chicago’s brew scene. When Lynn worked at Caribou Coffee, she was inspired by the quick connections made at the shop.
The cafe will be located near the intersection of N Clark Street and W Lunt Avenue, close to the Rogers Park Green Line Station. Other restaurants on the block include La Choza Mexican Grill, Silvana’s Bar and Honeybear Cafe.
“We’re excited to build Monarch as a family business rooted in this neighborhood,” Lynn said in the video.
Details including the menu will be released at a later date. What Now Chicago has spoken with both Joshua and Lynn, and this article may be updated.
