Coffee is one of the most favored beverages in America! This brewed beverage is usually sold in small shops, along with other snacks. Coffee shops can be found in almost every corner of downtown Chicago, but they are hardly seen in our own neighborhood. Well, that’s all about to change.

Meet Mayra Hernandez and Jesse Iniguez, founders of the Back of the Yards Coffee Company (BYCC). Both Hernandez and Iniguez are Back of the Yards natives, who have been involved in the community for most of their lives.

BYCC is no ordinary coffee company. Iniguez was inspired to open up a coffee shop in Back of the Yards neighborhood after visiting a shop in Pilsen. Their menu will include organic and tasty food options; their cups and containers will be 100% compostable or recyclable, and their coffee beans will come directly from Coffee farmers in Chiapas, Mexico “to ensure they get paid fair wages.”

When asked about their new Coffeehouse, which will open in mid-March, Hernandez and Iniguez stated, “Our goal is to shop 90% local and support the local economy. A dollar from every 12oz bag of coffee purchased will help fund programs in BOTY, including programs that help students from the school. We also plan to have a menu that will not only feature coffee and tea but also items you don’t typically find in restaurants in or around BOTY that can be easily duplicated.”

The shop will be a safe space for students and teachers to study, organize group meetings, or relax with a cup of coffee. Hernandez and Iniguez, who fought for the establishment of Back of the Yards College Prep, will continue to express their passion for social justice through the BYCC.   

“Our goal is to help make it easier to get resources and opportunities.We want to provide a space where we encourage and promote culture, arts, organizing, and open-mindedness,” stated Hernandez and Iniguez.

Visit their website at backoftheyardscoffee.com or by.coffee and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Words cannot Expresso excited we are for the Back of the Yards Coffeehouse!

– Marlen Gongora