In this article, discover the Chicago coffee shop that delights patrons year-round with the beloved flavor of pumpkin spice.
October Café: A Cozy Haven in Norwood Park, Chicago
October Café, a vegan café themed around the autumn season, has become a beloved establishment in Norwood Park, Chicago. Owned by the married couple Michelle Gonzalez and Audrey Borden, the café opened its doors in October 2023, embracing their love for fall [1].
The café is renowned for its seasonal drinks and food, such as the signature Cozy Up Chai Tea Latte, Cuddle Weather (hot chocolate with hazelnut and caramel), and various Fall Flight specialty drinks. The café's menu is packed with vegan and gluten-free dishes, including the best-selling Pesto Panini, Breakfast Sandwich, and Pumpkin Toast [1].
Gonzalez and Borden, who met in college in October 2019, have made social media a central part of their strategy. They post a fresh video to Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok every day, engaging with their 12,000 Instagram followers, 2,300 Facebook followers, and 1,500 TikTok followers [1].
October Café is more than just a café; it's a community hub. The café hosts various events like fundraisers, sip & paint events, movie nights, and live music, making it a popular destination for locals [1]. Despite being situated in a conservative area, Gonzalez and Borden decided to be open about their sexuality, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity [1].
The café's décor is as autumnal as its menu, with walls adorned with fall-themed art. The café also plans to expand in the future, adding a playroom for kids, which would be beneficial for their growing family [1].
October Café will celebrate its second anniversary with community events such as face painting and giveaways, just before Starbucks rolls out its Pumpkin Spice Latte for the 2025 season [1]. Each month, the café offers a different Fall Flight, with four cortado-sized specialty drinks [1].
The café is a family-owned business, with Gonzalez's cousin working in the back of the house and her mom managing the cash register [1]. They offer a regular $5 value meal for students, with a grilled cheese, tater tots, and a lemonade [1].
Gonzalez and Borden had reservations about becoming business owners, but Gonzales' parents encouraged them to pursue their dream [1]. Working together as a married couple presents some challenges, but they also have mutual respect and a shared vision for the cozy café [1].
As they look to the future, October Café is expanding into the space next to the café, with plans to expand further [1]. Borden is pregnant with the couple's first child, due in January [1]. Despite the challenges, Gonzalez and Borden remain committed to providing a cozy, autumn-inspired haven for their customers in Norwood Park.
[1] Sources: Personal interviews with Michelle Gonzalez and Audrey Borden.
- October Café, with its innovative food-and-drink offerings and lifestyle events, strives to be more than just a home-and-garden spot; it aims to bring a sense of community to Norwood Park.
- The café's expansion plans include adding a playroom for kids, making it a family-friendly hub for food, drink, and fellowship in the heart of Chicago's Norwood Park.
