Bridgeview Brew in South Chicago

06/12/2026

Coffee Fest Chicago ☕

This is my first time attending Coffee Fest and I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible. As we get closer to opening, I’m always looking for ways to improve the customer experience, discover new products, and continue growing as a coffee shop owner.

I decided to do a quick fit check before heading in:

• Bridge View Brew hoodie
• Comfy pants with pockets (essential)
• Laptop bag (because I’m always working)
• New Balance shoes with enough cushion to survive a full day of walking

Excited to see what ideas come home with me today.

06/03/2026

Meet one of the future stars of Bridge View Brew ☕

This La Marzocco espresso machine is used, but it has quite the story.

It originally belonged to shop in Cali before making its way through a couple of owners and eventually finding its home here in South Chicago.

Recently it underwent a full refurbishment, with the internal components rebuilt and serviced. Today, I removed the old branding and gave it a fresh start.

There’s something fitting about that.

A machine built to serve coffee is getting another opportunity to do what it was designed to do—just in a new community, with a new purpose, and a new story.

I can’t wait for the first drink that comes out of it at Bridge View Brew!

05/27/2026

One thing this project has taught me: nothing is as simple as it looks.

Even something as “basic” as subway tile involved decisions about spacing, materials, layout, cleanability, durability, and health department considerations.

There are so many people involved in bringing a space like this together — architects, interior designers, contractors, inspectors, and more. And every decision affects another one.

My biggest lesson? Confirm details early and communicate clearly to avoid costly last-minute changes or misunderstandings.

A coffee shop isn’t just a vibe — it’s a food business ☕

05/26/2026

Employee training has officially begun ☕😭

One thing about being the child of an entrepreneur… you grow up right alongside the dream.

She sees coffee equipment so often now that she really walked up to my espresso machine at home like she had a shift to cover 😂

Bridge View Brew — family built from the very beginning.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day reflection.

Today I’m thinking about sacrifice—not only from those who served our country, but also the families and communities connected to that service.

Grateful for the opportunity to keep building something rooted in care, community, and purpose here in South Chicago.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Memorial Day from Bridge View Brew.

05/11/2026

Happy Mother’s Day 💐

Watching videos working as a project manager for this coffee shop build even though I was 9 months pregnant reminds me the strength of moms everywhere.

I was a mom of 1 when I purchased this building. Since then, I’ve gone through two pregnancies while navigating construction, fundraising, delays, inspections, and everything else that comes with trying to open a business.

No breaks. Just kept moving forward.

One of the biggest blessings of being locally owned is having family, friends, and community nearby. This journey has reminded me over and over again that it truly takes a village.

Grateful for motherhood, grateful for my village, and grateful to still be building toward this dream ☕🤍

05/08/2026

Especially in South Chicago!

Share if you agree ❤️

05/07/2026

April 2026 was full of progress—some visible, some behind the scenes.

Countertops are finally moving forward, inspections are underway, patio prep has started, and the little details are slowly becoming real decisions.

It’s not perfect, but we’re getting closer every single day.

Thank you to everyone still following this journey and cheering us on. ☕🌉

05/05/2026

Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla—a reminder of resilience and the power of overcoming the odds.

As I build Bridge View Brew in South Chicago, I know the odds are real. Opening a locally owned, Black woman-led food business on the South Side comes with challenges: access to capital, construction and project management, passing city inspections, rising costs, and the reality that food businesses operate on thin margins.

But the lesson still stands: fight for what you believe in. Keep going.

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Here’s to beating the odds. ☕🌉