A Mexican American-Owned Bakery in Pilsen Gets Hit With Anti-Gentrification Graffiti | Eater Chicago
"Targeted during a debate over gentrification in Pilsen, I saw that Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe had its windows vandalized with graffiti reading “get out of Pilsen” and “gentrifier,” an incident caught on security footage around 2 a.m. on March 1. Owners Esther Griego and Katsuji Tanabe, who are of Mexican descent, opened the Pilsen location in January at 2019 S. Laflin Street after the family brand began in Lakeview 30 years ago, and they emphasize being part of the community by connecting with local schools, hosting writers’ clubs, and staging Dia de los Muertos pop-ups. The shop sells upscale French pastries while also foregrounding its Latin roots—heart-shaped conchas sold out quickly and, after an introduction to Marcos Carbajal, Bittersweet now serves a classic French quiche draped with carnitas—and staff resilience (including head baker Karen Trejo, a Mexico City native) has been notable amid worries about employee safety. The owners filed a police report for the record, cleaned the graffiti, have footage of the vandalism, and say they “will not be intimidated — we as Mexicans,” hoping the episode can be a teachable moment while continuing their daily work." - Ashok Selvam
