San Francisco-based Philz Coffee has plans to open its first Chicago coffeeshop next year in Wicker Park. They’ve signed a lease for a 2,100-square-foot space inside a building anchored by a Target near the Northwest corner of Division and Ashland. The company has plans to open more Chicago locations in 2019, according to a news release.
Philz has a location inside Facebook’s headquarters in Silicon Valley. Founded in 2002 in San Fran, the company sounds like a tech company on how they want to “disrupt” the coffee business and challenge companies like Starbucks. Despite those ambitions, the chain is known for a low-key vibe. Two years ago, Philz — named for founder Phil Jaber — sought out to expand into new markets. They’ve got about 50 locations in San Francisco, LA, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.
Officials are touting the Chicago location at the Wicker Park Connection, 1640 W. Division Street, as its city flagship. They’re shooting for a summer opening. Despite the glut of local coffeeshops in Wicker Park, chains aren’t intimidated. Intelligentsia, once a local darling until the company was sold three years ago has a cafe across the street from the upcoming Philz location. Red Beard Coffee Traders, a California roaster backed by TV celebrity investor Marcus Lemonis, opened a cafe earlier this year near North/Milwaukee/Damen. Red Beard didn’t enjoy success and recently closed.
Now Philz is coming to Chicago hoping to plant its flag. Stay tuned.