Lizz Wright and Monica Haslip Open The Hunt Cafe

The new Chicago cafe honors artist Richard Hunt with an all-day breakfast menu and curated cultural artifacts.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food

Bold vector editorial illustration showing an abstract metal sculpture on a table next to a record player and a coffee mug. — Lizz Wright and Monica Haslip have opened The Hunt, a Chicago cafe on the University of Chicago campus dedicated to artist Richard Hunt. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local business owners prioritize naming their establishments after significant cultural or historical figures?

Lizz Wright and Monica Haslip opened The Hunt, a cafe located at 915 E. 60th St. on the University of Chicago campus, on September 22, 2026. The new space is dedicated to the late Chicago artist Richard Hunt.

Why it matters

The founders created the cafe to serve as a hub for individuals engaged in creative work. By integrating art, music, and food, they aim to foster a collaborative environment within the local Chicago community.

The Hunt occupies 915 E. 60th St. and serves an all-day menu of quiche, biscuits, and sandwiches. The space incorporates record players and custom wallpaper as tributes to Richard Hunt.

The players

Lizz Wright

Lizz Wright is a professional musician who released the album Nearness in 2026 and co-owns two Chicago food establishments.

Monica Haslip

Monica Haslip is a business partner who co-owns The Hunt and the Carver 47 Food & Wellness Market alongside Lizz Wright.

Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt was a prominent Chicago-based artist whose life and works serve as the inspiration for the decor and naming of the new cafe.

The details

The cafe serves as a second venture for owners Lizz Wright and Monica Haslip, who previously opened the Carver 47 Food & Wellness Market in 2017. The interior design features a collection of artifacts and vinyl records curated by the owners to honor the legacy of Richard Hunt, who died in 2023.

Lizz Wright graduated from the Natural Gourmet Institute in 2009.
The owners met at a concert in 2013.
Carver 47 Food & Wellness Market was established in 2017.
Artist Richard Hunt died in 2023.
The Hunt cafe opened in Chicago on September 22, 2026.

Culture Shift

The opening of The Hunt reflects the broader movement of locally rooted wellness spaces that integrate art and community culture into retail dining. This approach signals a departure from standardized cafe models in favor of community-focused, immersive environments.

Residents and students near the University of Chicago can visit the cafe for an all-day menu focused on quiche, biscuits, and sandwiches. The space is specifically designed to provide a productive environment for those performing creative work in the area.

The takeaway

The Hunt illustrates how small businesses can successfully merge personal artistic interests with hospitality to serve a local niche. Residents looking for a creative workspace may benefit from the cafe's curated atmosphere and all-day menu.