Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Cafe Mustache to Double in Size With Help From Logan Square Friends

By Darryl Holliday | July 15, 2014 8:54am
 After a year of preparation and a few upsets, Café Mustache is on track to double in size this fall.
After a year of preparation and a few upsets, Café Mustache is on track to double in size this fall.
View Full Caption
DNainfo/Darryl Holliday

LOGAN SQUARE — After a year of preparation and a few upsets, Café Mustache is on track to double in size this fall.

Though owners of the Logan Square café haven’t set a definite date yet, co-owner Kerry Couch said the café expansion could be ready within a few months — adding a dedicated performance venue, improved sound equipment and a focus on evening events at the 2313 N. Milwaukee Ave. storefront.

“We hope that this will help to draw people in to check out acts even if they haven't heard about them ahead of time. Sort of a ‘lets go have a drink at the Mustache and see what kind of programming they have tonight’ idea,” she said.

The three co-owners have been busy over the summer. Ralph Darski recently returned from touring with his band, Rabble Rabble, after releasing their newest album with help from the community. Meanwhile the cafe has continued its mission to support local music and art in Logan Square.

The café has relied heavily on what Couch calls “alternative sources of funding,” such as Kickstarter and a close relationship with like-minded neighborhood business owners and operators. The young, first-time business owners said lender resources were hard to come by, which dragged the construction process a bit. 

But it also tied the café to the community in new ways — mutual partnerships and long-term friendships with owners of the Dill Pickle Co-op, Logan Hardware and Cole’s Bar, helped Café Mustache make it through.

“As always, we depend greatly upon the support of other businesses and groups in our community” for moral support, generous resources and good advice, Couch said.

“The new space will be similar in that it is a continuation of our goals as business owners and members of the community to create a space for people to meet, talk, and experience local art and music."

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: