Historic Cafe’s Demolition Marks the End of an Era in Rogers Park

Chicagoans mourn as Rogers Park’s beloved Heartland Cafe is demolished

The building that housed Heartland Cafe, a community beacon of music, art, political activism, and food and drink in Rogers Park, is no more. Crews began tearing down the 42-year-old cafe at 7000 N. Glenwood Avenue yesterday, eliciting sadness from the public and local media alike. Block Club reported its demolition yesterday, WTTW’s Chicago Tonight broadcast a segment last night, as former patrons took to social media to mourn its demise. Heartland closed after business on New Year’s Eve as its buyer plans to build a new apartment and commercial development on the site.

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund to spawn multiple new South Side hospitality businesses

Multiple South Side hospitality business received city funds on Monday from outgoing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, which aims to help small businesses grow. Local brewery Cerveza Fiesta’s new brewpub in Little Village, Catedral Cafe’s new vegan restaurant with a rooftop patio nearby, and more are on the docket, Curbed Chicago reports.

A South Loop neighborhood Mediterranean favorite has been sold

South Loop neighborhood favorite Kurah Mediterranean is under new ownership starting today. Kurah’s former managing partner Christopher Kimpel said in a statement that “after more than five years of serving the South Loop we felt it was time to focus on other interests.” The name of the new owner hasn’t been revealed yet but a news release states that the restaurant will continue to serve the same food and drink.

Wicker Park’s Filipino hotspot starts brunch service on Sunday

And finally, Cebu, the hot new Filipino restaurant on North Avenue in Wicker Park, will offer Sunday brunch starting this weekend. The menu, which can be read in full below, doesn’t offer breakfast-style egg dishes but does include sliders, Filipino barbecue items, and baked goods such as Filipino beignets.