After months of anticipation, construction delays, and a major structural rebuild, Colectivo Coffee is officially opening its newest Chicago café on Wednesday, July 8, bringing one of the Midwest’s most recognizable coffee brands to the heart of the Southport Corridor.
The new café is located at 3258 N. Southport Ave., in the former Schoolyard Tavern building, and will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The first 250 customers on opening day will also receive a free commemorative Southport tote bag.
A Long-Awaited Addition to Southport
Originally announced in 2024, the project encountered an unexpected hurdle when engineers determined that an entire structural wall of the historic building needed to be rebuilt before construction could continue. What was expected to be a straightforward café renovation turned into a much larger redevelopment project, pushing the opening back by several months.
Now, with construction complete, Colectivo is ready to welcome customers to what is expected to become one of the corridor’s busiest daytime gathering spots.
More Than Just Coffee
Founded in Milwaukee in 1993, Colectivo has built a loyal following across Wisconsin and Illinois for its small-batch roasted coffee, handcrafted espresso drinks, fresh bakery items, and made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch menu. The company operates cafés designed to encourage people to linger, work remotely, meet friends, or simply enjoy a slower pace over a cup of coffee.
The Southport location continues that philosophy, adding another neighborhood-focused destination to one of Chicago’s strongest retail corridors.
Another Sign of Southport’s Evolution
Colectivo’s arrival reflects the continued transformation of Southport Avenue into a destination that blends shopping, dining, fitness, and neighborhood gathering spaces.
Over the past year, the corridor has welcomed new retailers and concepts including Reformation, STRONG Pilates, and upcoming Ernesta, while several mixed-use developments are bringing additional residents within walking distance. The addition of Colectivo further strengthens Southport’s appeal as an all-day destination rather than simply a shopping street.
For nearby residents, it also fills a long-vacant corner with an active business that is expected to generate steady foot traffic throughout the day—benefiting neighboring retailers and restaurants alike.
With doors officially opening July 8, Colectivo’s Southport café marks another milestone in the continued growth and evolution of one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhood business districts.
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