New Microbrewery, Cafe, Restaurant and Commercial Roaster Coming to Pullman
Staffed by U.S. Military Veterans
Veteran Roasters’ combination micro-brewery, coffee roaster, restaurant, and café is expected to break ground in the spring of 2023, bringing a new dining option and community amenity to the Pullman/Roseland area. The two-story, 16,000 square foot stand-alone building will feature a commercial coffee roaster, micro-brewery, restaurant, and café with seating for approximately 75 to 100 people, plus drive-thru service.
A New Kind of Business
Mark Doyle, founder and CEO of Rags of Honor, is behind the innovative venture, which aims to create 55 to 65 new jobs for local military veterans. Doyle spent a year embedded with an anti-corruption task force in Afghanistan and has a passion for creating businesses that prioritize hiring and supporting U.S. military veterans.
A Community-Led Effort
The project is a collaboration between Veteran Roasters and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) to construct the new building on vacant land, just west of 111th Street and Doty Avenue. 9th Ward Alderman Anthony A. Beale announced that with already a $2 million Neighborhood Opportunity grant and pending approval from the Plan Commission, the nation’s first Veterans’ Roasters cafe, commercial roaster, brewpub, and restaurant is expected to become a reality.
A Community that Beat the Odds
Pullman/Roseland has a reputation for overcoming challenges, from the decline of the steel industry to the National Monument’s designation. The area has seen a resurgence in recent years, with new businesses and amenities springing up. “Like veterans, Pullman/Roseland has beaten the odds and is continuing to move forward,” said Alderman Beale.
A Welcoming Community
According to Mark Doyle, the Pullman/Roseland area is an attractive location for employees, with access to housing and wraparound support to ensure a healthy transition to civilian life. “Finding employment and secure housing can be challenging for veterans, especially recovering from the demands of service, but we discovered Pullman, which offers access to the housing and wraparound support that can ensure a healthy transition to civilian life,” he said.
Conclusion
Veteran Roasters is poised to become a major hub for coffee and beer lovers in the Pullman/Roseland area, providing a unique and welcoming environment for both locals and visitors. With its commitment to hiring and supporting U.S. military veterans, this innovative venture is an important step towards creating a stronger, more resilient community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Veteran Roasters expected to break ground?
A: The project is expected to break ground in the spring of 2023.
Q: What will be the features of the building?
A: The two-story building will feature a commercial coffee roaster, micro-brewery, restaurant, and café with seating for approximately 75 to 100 people, plus drive-thru service.
Q: How many jobs will be created?
A: The project will create 55 to 65 new jobs for local military veterans.
Q: Is this a community-led effort?
A: Yes, the project is a collaboration between Veteran Roasters and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) to construct the new building on vacant land, just west of 111th Street and Doty Avenue.
