Southport Grocery and Cafe to Close by End of 2026

The long-standing Lakeview establishment will shutter to make way for a new diner concept from Dollop Coffee Co.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A weathered sage-green wooden storefront door and window frame set in a red brick building facade in a Chicago neighborhood. — Southport Grocery and Cafe will close permanently in Lakeview by the end of 2026, transitioning to a new Dollop Finer Diner location. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer that a long-standing neighborhood restaurant stays open or changes to a new concept?

Southport Grocery and Cafe will close its doors permanently at the end of 2026 after 23 years in business at 3552 N. Southport Ave. The space will be repurposed by partner Dollop Coffee Co. to open a new Dollop Finer Diner concept.

Why it matters

The transition marks the end of a long-running local fixture that has served the Lakeview community since 2003. Employees currently working at the grocery and cafe will be retained for the upcoming restaurant launch.

The business operates a canning and preserves line consisting of more than 40 unique items. The longest-serving employees at the location have a tenure of 18 years.

The players

Lisa Santos

She is the owner of Southport Grocery and Cafe and has managed the establishment since its inception in 2003.

Dollop Coffee Co.

This Chicago-based coffee chain has partnered with the cafe since 2022 and plans to launch a new diner concept at the site.

The details

Owner Lisa Santos has operated the site since 2003, notably launching a preserves line during the 2008 financial crisis to prioritize local sourcing. Current staff will transition to the new diner project, which follows a partnership with Dollop Coffee Co. established in 2022.

The business first opened its doors in 2003.
The restaurant gained local attention when featured on WTTW Check Please in 2005.
A formal partnership with Dollop Coffee Co. began in 2022.
The restaurant will close permanently at the end of 2026.

Market Landscape

This transition reflects a broader trend of consolidation among local independent businesses partnering with established regional chains. It positions the site to evolve from a niche grocer into a larger diner footprint while maintaining existing staff.

Local residents can continue to patronize the cafe until its closure at the end of 2026. Current employees will remain employed through the transition to the new diner.

The takeaway

Long-term independent businesses often rely on strategic partnerships to ensure staff retention and business continuity during major shifts. Consumers should look forward to the transition of the space into a new diner concept starting in 2027.