Lakeview residents will say goodbye to a beloved neighborhood eatery as Southport Grocery & Cafe prepares to close its doors at the end of 2026. The restaurant, founded by former accountant‑turned‑chef Lisa Santos in 2003, has been a fixture on Southport Avenue for 23 years.
From humble beginnings to a local institution
When Santos first opened the doors at 3552 N. Southport Ave., the menu was limited to lunch and dinner. Early feedback—gathered from handwritten notes taken by servers—made it clear that customers wanted breakfast. After a patron devoured two orders of the now‑famous bread‑pudding pancakes, Santos added a full breakfast lineup, a move that helped cement the café’s reputation.
Over the years, Southport expanded to a second floor bakery, launched a supper‑club series, and built a canning operation that now produces more than 40 preserves and sauces. The business survived the 2008 financial crisis by creating its own wholesale pastry line and a full‑time preservationist, ensuring that quality products stayed on the shelves without relying on distant suppliers.
Closing decision and transition
In a recent Instagram post, Santos explained that the decision to close was difficult but timely. “I was doing the break‑even analysis in my head and thinking, ‘We are never going to make it,’” she recalled from the restaurant’s first day. “But we found our footing, everyone got used to the crowds and here we are all these years later.”
Southport’s partnership with Chicago‑based roaster Dollop Coffee Co. began four years ago, when the two teams collaborated on wholesale pastry production. That relationship paved the way for Dollop’s new concept, Dollop Finer Diner, which will occupy the Southport location. Santos said the transition will protect jobs: “I have people that have worked for me for 18 years. They all have jobs at the new concept. They all have a soft landing.” She will retain a small ownership stake and continue consulting on menu development.
What remains for customers
Until the final day, Southport will operate as usual, offering Thanksgiving catering, Christmas cookies, gift baskets, and two more Secret Suppers. Long‑time fans can still enjoy fan‑favorite items such as apple‑stuffed French toast and the café’s take on the classic Hostess Ding Dong.
The closure marks the end of an era for Lakeport, but it also highlights the resilience of local entrepreneurship. Santos’ story—leaving a stable accounting career, attending culinary school, and building a business that survived economic downturns—embodies the American spirit of hard work and community service.
Looking ahead
With Dollop Finer Diner set to open, the Southport Avenue corner will remain a gathering place for families and neighbors. The new venue promises to uphold the same commitment to quality food and local employment, ensuring that the spirit of the original café lives on in a fresh, forward‑looking concept.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
