Rogers Park's Heartland Cafe Out of Financial Trouble

As many Rogers Park residents know, the Heartland Café recently put out a call to the community for help. Faced with staggering debt and threatened with permanent closure, Heartland asked patrons to donate money, buy memberships in exchange for discounts, and even consider short-term loans to keep the restaurant afloat. It was an unusual move, a business asking its customers to buy into a risky plan that depended on many, many people to work.

Happily, the Heartland Café now reports that it is out of immediate financial trouble and will remain open, thanks to donors and patrons. Long-term community support is still needed, however, and Heartland will continue to hold fundraising events, sell memberships, and take donations.

The Heartland Café has been a Rogers Park staple since opening in 1976 and is famous for its healthy, vegetarian, and cruelty-free meat dishes. They feature open mic nights and live music several nights a week.

In addition to the restaurant, Heartland's proprietors also own the adjoining Red Line Tap, No Exit Café, and Studio Theater. In 2005, Barack Obama first announced his intention to run for President at Heartland, solidifying the restaurant as the seat of the neighborhood.

Source:
Heartland Café website