Introduction to Community Support
BRONZEVILLE — Community leaders are showing their support for Bronzeville’s Sip & Savor by sponsoring a free coffee drive there Saturday after thieves broke into the cafe.
The Incident and Response
Entrepreneurs Early Walker and George Daniels and alds. Pat Dowell (3rd) and Stephanie Coleman (16th) are joining with Sip & Savor owner Trez Pugh III for the offer. Free coffee will be available for the first 300 customers 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the cafe, 78 E. 47th St.
Details of the Burglary
Walker said he was moved to act after learning of the burglaries: A trio of thieves broke into the cafe after hours — twice in one week this month — and stole high-end bourbon, vodka, cakes and muffins, according to cafe staff. Pugh said he incurred $2,000 in damages.
Ongoing Investigation
Police said no one was in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
Community Leaders’ Initiative
“I want this to be a movement. There’s no reason why he should not be the next Black Starbucks of our community,” said Walker, who is sponsoring the first 100 coffees for Sip & Savor customers. “We need to support him and let him know we’re standing behind him.”
Sponsorship and Support
Dowell and Coleman announced they, too, would sponsor 100 coffees each to help the cause. Coleman noted Pugh’s Englewood ties while commending him on his commitment to staying in the community, adding that an Englewood location of Sip & Savor is on her wishlist.
Importance of Community Support
“This is a workforce investment. So we’re so grateful for you and your stick-to-it-iveness,” Coleman said. “The hospitality industry has not been so kind, especially to the Black business owners. Let’s keep Black businesses and Black people in our city.”
Pugh’s Experience and Resilience
Pugh said he’s been overwhelmed by the love he’s received from neighbors and local businesses. The entrepreneur was one of the first retail tenants to set up shop at the revamped Rosenwald Apartments when they reopened in 2019. Now, Pugh owns seven locations across the city — including the South Loop store that took over the former Starbucks storefront on Roosevelt Road in 2023.
Challenges Faced by Small Businesses
According to a KeyBank survey of small business owners across the country, 50 percent are worried about inflation and rising costs, with 46 percent feeling that their performance has fallen short of 2025 projections and 72 percent bracing themselves for the impact the current tariff wars could have on their bottom lines.
Innovative Solutions
Pugh said he’s been able to weather the challenges by being “innovative and creative.” In the past, he’s hosted vendor pop-ups at his cafe and partnered with Black-owned enterprises like Turner Haus Brewery, which opened a taproom inside the Bronzeville cafe in 2023.
Conclusion
Walker is hopeful people who take them up on the free coffee Saturday will be inspired to pay the generosity forward as Sip & Savor customers. “Get your pastry. Get your doughnut,” Walker said. “The whole purpose of doing this is to continue to bring money into the community.”
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Sip & Savor?
A: Sip & Savor was burglarized twice in one week, with thieves stealing high-end liquor and baked goods, resulting in $2,000 in damages. - Q: How are community leaders responding?
A: Community leaders, including entrepreneurs and aldermen, are sponsoring a free coffee drive to support Sip & Savor. - Q: What is the goal of the community initiative?
A: The goal is to support Sip & Savor, encourage community investment, and promote Black-owned businesses in the area. - Q: How can I participate?
A: You can participate by visiting Sip & Savor on Saturday and taking advantage of the free coffee offer, and by continuing to support the cafe and other local businesses.Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:
