The business will soon be more than just a coffee and food destination.
The team at Rivers & Roads Cafe is expanding to the storefront next door at 1257 W Devon Avenue for a market concept, per a report from Block Club Chicago. This will also be a bookstore, and an ice cream shop is going in next to the business as well. Co-owner Mike Waszkowski told What Now Chicago they are hoping to open the market in early-to-mid November, followed by the ice cream shop in the spring.
Rivers & Roads opened in April 2023 and has become a coffee destination in Edgewater. At the shop, the team prepares specialty lattes, espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches and pastries. After seeing this success, Mike and his wife Janine wanted to create a space that offers more seating and options for those wanting to browse.
“We started thinking about what the space could become. We knew the neighborhood needed more places to hang out, browse, and spend a little time,” says a recent post from the owners.
Exact products to be sold haven’t been released, but those stopping in can expect all kinds of books, pottery art and stationary items. The space will also serve pre-packaged goods made at the cafe, but all of the food is prepared at their business next door. The ice cream shop, called Firefly will have mostly soft-serve options.
The building is near the intersection of N Lakewood Avenue, close to Nori Sushi At Edgewater. This is also across the street from Ezankaya Thai restaurant. The Loyola and Granville CTA stations are about equal distance from the storefront.
More updates on Little Wild and the opening date can be found on their Instagram @littlewild.chicago.
