CHICAGO (WLS) — A new Starbucks is opening in Little Village, but not everyone is happy about it.
Some community members do not want large corporations to negatively impact the family culture of the area.
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Much of the concern comes from small business owners, who say a Starbucks presence would detract from the neighborhood's very rich community flavor, while others say they believe it would help boost their own businesses.
Azúcar is like a living room in a small village family home, filling people with the flavors of coffee and ice cream rooted in Mexican culture.
“Families can come with their children and pets,” said Victor Garcia, owner of Azucar Resort, in Spanish.
But Garcia says that culture is at risk with the opening of a new Starbucks at 26th and Albany Street.
“I feel like it will affect me, my business won't survive a big company like that,” Victor said.
“Let's not forget the origins of La Vita, which is really about small businesses,” said Karina Ayala Bermejo, who works in Little Village.
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce released a statement saying, in part, “We actively advocated for a local small business to occupy the space, and the decision ultimately rested with the property owners.”
“I don't think Starbucks will last long here, not in this community,” said community organizer Graciela Garcia.
Graciela said she will lead the community protest Sunday morning before the Mexican Independence Day parade, in addition to giving Starbucks a list of demands.
“One of the demands is that since they will be in our community, they should not take away from the flavour of the community,” Graciela said.
This also includes hiring from the community at a minimum wage of $20 to $25 per hour.
A Starbucks spokesperson did not directly address these demands, but told ABC7 that they will “work closely with community members in this store and our associates (employees) will be reaching out to their neighbors, building partnerships with local organizations and supporting community events.”
“We have a distinct flavor, and our flavor is our pride,” said Karina Ayala Bermejo, who works at Little Village.
However, some say Starbucks will boost the local economy.
“A lot of people are looking for work,” said Little Village resident Sonia Rivera. “They have to go far away, so if they were closer to here, they would be closer to work.”
But people like Victor, who takes in community kids every year to help make ice cream, say some places can't replicate true family values.
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce says the Starbucks is expected to open on September 20.
Full statement from Starbucks spokesperson:
As you know, Starbucks will be opening a new community store in Little Village this fall. Launched in 2015, Starbucks Community Stores focus on helping create economic opportunity in rural and urban communities by hiring local people, creating a dedicated space for communities to come together for events, partnering with local artists, and working with diverse contractors and subcontractors. Community Stores are at the heart of our mission: nurturing the endless possibilities of human connection. They are purpose-built to support our partners, customers, and communities in ways that meaningfully drive lasting connection. Most importantly, they are led by partners (often from the communities they serve) who know their neighborhoods best and provide intentional, dedicated programming and experiences.
The community store—Starbucks’ fourth in Chicago—will employ 15 Green Apron Partners, including nine members of the Little Village community, feature custom artwork by local artists (Chicago-based artist Desk Uno is designing a mural for the store, for example), and like other community stores, is being built in partnership with diverse contractors.
Other Starbucks Community Store locations in Chicago include our stores at 63rd & Halsted (opening in 2016), 95th & Ashland (opening in 2022), and North & Cicero (opening in 2023). In the past, these stores have worked with organizations including City Year, Boys & Girls Clubs, New Life Centers, and Firehouse Community Arts Center, as well as supporting local food security and hunger relief efforts.
Full statement from the Little Village Chamber of Commerce:
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce recognizes the concerns expressed by community members about Starbucks opening in our neighborhood. While we actively advocated for a local small business to occupy the space, the decision ultimately rested with the property owners. The Chamber played no role in selecting Starbucks as a tenant.
Our commitment is to ensure that any business, including businesses like Starbucks, understands and respects the unique needs, concerns, and values of the Little Village community. Moving forward, our focus is on fostering positive relationships between Starbucks and its neighbors, encouraging them to participate responsibly, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall well-being of the area. We remain committed to supporting and strengthening the small businesses in Little Village, and ensuring their continued growth and success.
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