How Francis Almeda Turns Side Projects into Success at Side Practice Coffee Chicago

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TLDR

When graphic designer Francis Almeda noticed a small corner café available near his Ravenswood neighborhood, it sparked a new vision. Coffee wasn't his original expertise, but Francis had always seen cafés as inspiring hubs where creativity and community blend naturally. Driven by his love for side projects and passion for highlighting local talent, he opened Side Practice Coffee in early 2020. Despite the challenging timing due to the pandemic, Francis used this unexpected downtime to deeply understand the café business, learn from industry experts, and refine his dream of creating a genuine community gathering spot. His basement became a testing ground, where he and his wife, Ann, experimented with roasting beans, perfecting beverages, and crafting a menu filled with unique offerings.

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Celebrating Local Talent and Creativity

Side Practice Coffee rapidly evolved into a vibrant community hub that spotlights local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. Inspired by his experiences at craft fairs and maker shows, Francis curated an inviting space filled with handcrafted ceramics by local art curator Emily Beck, vegan baked goods from Gingham Baking, and unique products from neighborhood brands like Yishi Foods and Sanzo. Visitors could browse handmade jewelry, vibrant artwork, and locally produced hot sauces, or even drop off film for developing. Each visit became an opportunity to discover something new and meaningful, transforming the café into more than just a place to grab coffee.