According to a recent article from Chicago Eater, Backlot Coffee will soon expand with a third, soon-to-be-announced location.
A representative of Backlot Coffee was not immediately available for commentary per What Now Chicago’s request.
While an official opening date and address have yet to be confirmed, Backlot’s Instagram holds teasers of the buildout for the new location, stating it will be opening in the summer.
Nestled on the north side of Evanston, a hidden gem known as the “Backlot” lives—a community within a community where shared backyards become spaces of camaraderie, laughter, and connection. In this enclave, homes come together to form a place of belonging, where neighbors build and share their lives, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.
The notion of having its own “backlots” conjures nostalgic memories of front stoops, back porches, and public parks—a canvas where the tapestry of our imagination was woven, where possibilities blossomed, and the day gracefully transitioned into the night. These were safe spaces, where authenticity thrived, and self-discovery flourished, laying the foundation for the Backlot Coffee vision.
In 2016, the doors of Backlot Coffee opened on Central Street in Evanston, embodying the spirit of a relaxed, creative oasis—a true community within a community. Aiming to dissolve the confines of fences and create a space where strangers transform into friends, Backlot Coffee emerged as a testament to the belief that open places nurture relationships, and smiles and helping hands are freely exchanged.
2017 marked a big expansion as Backlot Coffee journeyed to the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago, bringing the essence of its Evanston haven to the heart of the city. With each cup brewed, Backlot aimed to enrich an already vibrant Old Irving Park community. Then another seed of innovation sprouted in 2018 when Adam, Backlot’s Central Street manager, proposed a daring idea: why not roast their own beans?
John Kim and Isaac Bloom, the founders behind Backlot Coffee, envisage their establishment as more than a caffeine haven—it’s a place where neighbors gather, where stories are exchanged, and where the essence of the community is celebrated. For at the heart of Backlot Coffee lies the undeniable truth: it’s the people who make it great, according to the company website.
