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"A Chicago roasting company founded in January 2017 will open its first 900-square-foot coffeeshop in mid-March at 2057 W. 51st Street, inside the same building where it roasts. Run by four friends — Vova Kagan, his twin Greesha Kagan, Michael Roytman and Diarmuid Horan — the team, which already supplies beans to local restaurants like The Winchester and Bangers and Lace, aims to offer an affordable, high-quality cup of coffee to neighborhood residents regardless of profession. They focus on a single blend of Brazilian, Colombian and Sumatran beans and use specialty-grade coffee sourced via Royal Coffee New York while deliberately avoiding the “specialty shop” label. The small cafe will serve $2 drip coffee, basic espresso drinks, a strong tea program, off-the-menu items including Greek-style frappés and freddos, and baked goods from Delightful Pastries (including paczkis); it will have a European vibe with bench seating for about 10 and wifi. Located in a tiny sliver of New City often mistaken for Back of the Yards, they hope to provide a local alternative to nearby chains and become an everyday habit for residents." - Ashok Selvam