Casa Cactus, a coffee shop in Chicago’s Mayfair neighborhood, was forced to close temporarily due to a licensing issue with the city. The shop, located at 4595 N. Elston Ave., has been closed since June 26. Owner Ozzy Gámez is working with the city to obtain a retail food establishment license, a process that could take months.
Community Support
Neighbors have rallied around the coffee shop, launching a GoFundMe campaign to support the shop’s eight employees. The campaign has raised almost $10,000 in just three days. Gámez said the cafe’s employees have been touched by the outpouring of support from regulars and other local businesses.
Casa Cactus has become a community hub, hosting regular events and fundraisers. Gámez described it as a ‘community space where people gather that just happens to have coffee.’ The cafe is known for its horchata lattes, café de olla Mexican-spiced coffee, and fresh empanadas.
Customers can still support the business by visiting the Plant Shop, which is located across the street from Casa Cactus and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
