Independent coffee shop thrives in developing neighborhood

On Chicago Avenue in West Town, the Swim Cafe’s pool-blue colors contrast with the bustling street. This independent coffee shop offers people a place to relax, work and socialize.

Located across the street from the Ida Crown Natatorium in Eckhart Park, the swimming-pool-themed shop offers free-trade coffee and tea, food items and free wireless Internet access.

But in a society that views chain brands as markers of quality, how does the independent coffee shop survive?

According to Ken Walczak, the cafe’s owner, some people are dedicated to supporting independent coffee shops. Many customers are even more encouraged to support independent stores when there are chains around, he said.

Plus, the Swim Cafe, located at located at 1357 W. Chicago Ave., was designed as a place for people to interact and socialize, Walczak said. The wave-inspired benches that curve around the shop’s tables were designed to encourage people to stop and chat. In addition, some use the Swim Cafe as their offices, Walczak said.

People like Stephen Cavanagh, an art dealer, take advantage of the free wireless Internet to check their e-mail, update websites and network. Cavanagh runs two businesses from the Swim Cafe, he said, adding that there are always artists in the coffee shop and he makes business contacts that way.

To stand apart, the Swim Cafe serves “free trade” coffee, which means rigid standards are used when farming in order to establish fair trade, sustainable practices and long-term commitments to developing countries. There is much exploitation of farm workers throughout developing countries, Walczak said.

“It’s not just quality, but it is also the philosophy,” he added.

The coffee shop, which opened in June 2005, has seen sales more than double in the past year, Walczak said.

West Town, a developing neighborhood on the northwest side, has seen a lot of changes. Recently, condos have sprouted like weeds and bars and nightclubs dot Chicago Avenue.

“I’m not against Chicago Avenue becoming more developed,” Walczak said. “It’s how it’s developed [that will make a difference].” According to Walczak, a new crowd is coming into the neighborhood. West Town, a “dumpy” neighborhood known as an enclave of artists and musicians, is now seeing a lot of professionals moving in. Walczak compares the developed area to that of Wicker Park, a nearby neighborhood.

“I don’t mind development as long as it’s not all geared for people out of the neighborhood,” Walczak said.

The Swim Cafe still offers activities and events true to its roots. On the first Friday of every month, the coffee shop features an art opening. Next month is photography, Walczak said.

On top of that, the Swim Cafe hosts “Scrabble Sundays.” People can come in, grab a board and start a game, Walczak said. The winner gets a free drink or dessert and the best score of the night wins tickets to the theater for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
But, “If [the] demographic changes, we will probably change with it,” Walczak said.

Originally, Walczak and his wife Karen Gerod were looking for a catering kitchen. But they stumbled upon the shop’s site, where a previous cafe failed because of poor management, Walczak said. Now, they serve freshly baked goods made by Gerod.

The coffee shop, which is the busiest in the summer months, has not advertised since December. “[There is] no lack of customers,” Walczak said, and it is still gaining customers. In the past, Walczak has posted advertisements in The Reader and in The Onion. Plus, he has posted flyers, and maintains an e-mail list of about 400 people.

Tim Hogan, a film student at Columbia College Chicago, said it’s nice to go to a coffee shop to sit and relax for a long time. In addition, Hogan said it’s nice to get to know the people in the coffee shop and see them on a daily basis.

Plus, “[I] like the fact that I know its not a Starbucks,” he said.