SOUTH LOOP — Only a few people wandered into La Haven when it opened without fanfare on April 20, but that didn't bother the guys in charge.
It's all a part of the master plan of the barista now residing in the former home of Crave Cafe and Lounge, at 1250 S. Michigan Ave., said manager DJ Mei, 27.
"We wanted to have a slow opening to understand what our barista needed to do to get affiliated with the neighborhood," said Mei, of Bridgeport. "We're like a puzzle that'll take shape with the community. We're like 'What do you guys wants and we'll fit for you?'"
The existing cafe setting made for a quick turnaround in the neighborhood that has businesses sprouting up seemingly every week. The setting also dropped them just around the corner from Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, but they're not afraid of the coffee juggernauts, Mei said.
"We're different than Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Our coffee explains itself as does our customer service. We'll remember your name if you're a local and you stop by," Mei said.
La Haven offers about eight different coffees from La Colombe Coffee Roasters, iced coffees and teas all for under $5. It also will offer fresh pastries from Beurrage in Pilsen. But the menu is far from set with plans to offer items like sandwiches that "aren't too heavy," he said.
"We wanted to be a blank canvas. We want to know what the locals wants. If you're a local, you'll find what you want in a neighborhood coffee place here," Mei said.
While the first days were slow with only a few students perched on the 30-plus seats, a week later the neighborhood is starting to take notice of the small cafe. As some residents peek through the cafe's big glass windows along Michigan Avenue, others are beginning to stop in for their morning Joe, an assurance that the owners are close to achieving their dream for La Haven.
Mei envisioned customers stopping by coffee and heading either to the lakeshore to enjoy at the water or to drink among the Agora in Grant Park. The coffee shop is open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
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