July 22nd, 2011 
It’s always great to have the opportunity to support female entrepreneurs. Frequenting an establishment and witnessing someone ask if the owner is available and then asking when “he” might be in, you feel an extra ounce of pride in answering that question, “SHE will be back shortly.” It’s especially enjoyable supporting these ventures and spreading the word. Sit comfortably, relax or energize, mellow out or create, enjoy the silence or engage in meaningful conversation in one of Chicago’s most charming and unique coffee shops, Savor the Flavor.
Savor is owned by the beautiful and hard-working, Geri Schapira. An enigma and a force, Geri runs Savor to be an inviting, impeccable, efficient, homey and heart-filled home for you to get your fix, whether it be on caffeine, refreshing Anthony’s Italian Ice, one of their righteous grilled cheese sandwiches, or perhaps a little dose of love. Walk in and your greeted by one of many beautiful, friendly Savor Baristas.
Situated in the heart of Lincoln Park, in one of Chicago’s famous 5-way intersections, Savor welcomes customers via two entryways; one on Sheffield Avenue and the other on Lincoln. The facade comes to a triangular point, similar to the Flatiron building and others related, where Sheffield, Lincoln and Wrightwood Avenues meet. Strategically sandwiched between a large park, the Apollo theatre and the heavily trafficked Fullerton EL stop, this coffee shop pulls from a diverse demographic, garnering everyone from college kids, little leaguers, corporate clients, and aspiring artists. StF is an ideal place to relax, create, and converse.
Walking into Savor the Flavor is deeper than simply supporting a local, non-corporate coffee shop. An employee carrying the largest amount of heart and kindness was recently hit at an intersection by a truck on his bike. The world is grateful in that he survived, albeit with severe injuries, his strong heart pulled him back from the brink of death. During all this, Geri, his boss, stepped up and provided a warm, loving home for his family, just steps from the hospital, fed them, and supported them as best she could along with the rest of us. She’s garnered additional interest, love and support around him via Savor and made us all further connected.
Photo credit: Matt Bressoud http://www.flickr.com/photos/61936728@N08/
In conjunction with heart and altruism, Savor provides small corners for local musicians to play to a diverse and appreciative crowd, also partnering with tremendous organizations like the Arts of Life, providing Savor with eclectic, gorgeous pieces of art created by people with disabilities. Love is in the details and every angle is considered, each decision made carefully, making the decision to stop by an easy one.
WHERE:
Savor the Flavor
2545 North Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Ph. 773-883-5287
Finding Savor the Flavor after moving to Chicago and counting Geri as a friend are two of the best things that have happened to me since arriving. And this excellent article perfectly captures what makes Savor so very special. Thanks! And thanks, Geri, for Savor the Flavor.
[...] even more. I wrote an article for an online magazine about this very special cafe, feel free to check it out if you want even more insight into Savor’s soulful [...]