Logan Square and Humboldt Park have recently welcomed several new cafes as part of ongoing business growth in the neighborhoods.
Logan Collective began operating last month at 3026 W. Armitage Ave., offering a new cafe and roastery. The space was initially intended to house Jimmy Beans Cafe, but after those plans changed, John Geary, owner of Logan Vegan, took over the location following an approach from building owner Jim Petrozzini. Petrozzini left his coffee roaster in the space and continues to use it for roasting his own beans, which has become central to Logan Collective’s operations.
“I live a few blocks away, so I know there isn’t another coffee shop too close. So that’s one thing this corner craves and neighbors are embracing us because of that,” Geary said.
Geary has collaborated with local businesses such as Goose Island’s Tailwind Roasting and Lakeview’s Two Hearted Queen Coffeehouse to source and roast coffee. Employees with roasting experience have contributed to shaping the cafe’s offerings.
“I don’t know that I would have jumped so hard into coffee having not as much experience, but the way that it was positioned and came together, I’m really excited about it,” he said.
The cafe serves products from Beacon Doughnuts, a vegan company based locally. Plans include expanding food options by preparing lunch items and making ice cream in Logan Collective’s kitchen; these will also be sold at Logan Vegan due to limited kitchen space there. The kitchen will be shared with Petrozzini and other entrepreneurs who need cooking facilities.
Looking ahead, Geary may introduce vegan ice cream if additional equipment is added. In 2020, he faced criticism related to cultural appropriation regarding a previous ice cream venture in the neighborhood that ended shortly after opening.
Inside Logan Collective—previously an old DIY venue—a successful pickup window operates alongside efforts to add more seating, update the menu, and display local artwork as part of a gallery initiative. Geary intends for the cafe to host more art events and culinary programming with community creatives once operations stabilize.
“We’re trying to just be functional and operational, but I feel like it’ll branch out,” he said. “What we could do is let others rent time on the roaster, teach classes, that sort of stuff. An extension of the shared resources.”
Logan Collective is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In Humboldt Park, Familia Cafe opened late last year at 2800 W. North Ave., replacing Etheria Cafe which closed in March after three years in business. Owner Yarnya Mykhalchuck kept much of the previous layout intact while updating furniture and reducing plant decor.
Familia Cafe continues Etheria’s tradition by providing lunch items along with pastries and drinks while maintaining a play area for children—a feature valued by families in the neighborhood. Mykhalchuck noted business has started slowly but hopes it becomes a regular gathering place for families.
Like its predecessor, Familia offers playtime sessions for children as well as private birthday parties upon request via email (familia.cafe2025@gmail.com). Pricing is set at $10 per day for children aged 0-3 years old; $15 per day for ages 4-13; adult supervision is required with an additional fee beyond two adults per group.
Operating hours are Monday-Wednesday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-Sunday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Also new to Humboldt Park is Delicias Carbic Gourmet at 3420 W. North Ave., which opened in December with an emphasis on Venezuelan cuisine according to information posted on its website by owners in Spanish translation: “celebrates the authentic flavors of Venezuela.” The restaurant offers traditional dishes such as Pabellon (rice with shredded beef), Pollo Broaster (fried chicken served with arepa), pork chops with rice and salad, plus sandwiches and fresh baked goods throughout its all-day menu. Breakfast combos soups and sides are also available during extended hours from 8 a.m.-11:45 p.m each day.
