Archies Closing: The End Of An Era

You love Archies’s Cafe, you love the food, the music, the art, the community, the people. You love the way it supports local artists of all kinds, and how it gives people an outlet for expression, no matter who they are, or what they need to say. You love how real, homegrown, grassroots, un-corporate it is. You know Archies is a rare institution of that kind.

With all this in mind, and with deep sadness, we share that as of August 2024, Archies will be forced to close. Loyola University has purchased the building and is not renewing leases. This unique and historic storefront is said to be scheduled for demolition. Such a shame!

After building the space out from scratch and years of working to build and grow the café, and its clientele, the rug is being pulled out from under us. No opportunity to sell or recoup the investment. Emotional or financial. From the initial build out, the operating cost, maintenance, fair wages, the rising cost of everything, and outstanding Covid loans, this has been a very costly endeavor. We have been honored to be your gathering space, your study spot, your coffee shop, your local joint. Offering a platform for so many to showcase their art, share their music, see a great show, meet their neighbors. The community that has been created is priceless!

As we face these new developments and decide where we go from here, we are asking for donations to help compensate for the unanticipated dissolving of the business, livelihood, and debt incurred. We don't want this to be the end of Archie’s, and are looking toward opportunities to create meaningful community in the future. Nothing is off the table! If possible, please donate, and join us in these last months on Loyola Avenue. Stay tuned!

Thank you,

With love,

Roberta