Avondale coffee shop among Chicago small businesses closing Friday for national general strike

[Cruel Cottonmouth]

Small Businesses Across Chicago to Join Nationwide Strike Against Federal Immigration Enforcement

Several businesses in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood are closing their doors on Friday as part of a nationwide general strike against federal immigration enforcement. The Brewed Coffee shop, which typically serves 300 cups of coffee in the area, will be among those shutting down its operations.

The decision was made by co-owner Nick Mayor after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an American born in northwest suburban Streamwood, at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The move is part of a larger decentralized grassroots movement across the country that aims to raise awareness about the impact of federal immigration policies on innocent lives.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Mayor said, "While the stormtroopers of our government murder more innocent people in the streets than the alleged criminals they claim to be after, we're struggling to fight the horrors of this tyrannical system under which we live but we want to send a message where we can." The post featured a photo with the message "ICE OUT! Nationwide shutdown! No work. No school. No shopping."

Several other businesses in Chicago have announced plans to close their shops on Friday, including Sugar Moon, Firefly Fiber, and Rooted Living in Avondale. Other establishments that will remain open but make donations to immigrant rights organizations include Del Sur Bakery in Lincoln Square and Rattleback Records in Andersonville.

While some small businesses are unable to close due to financial constraints, others have pledged to give a percentage of their profits to support the cause. "Losing a full day of sales is not something that we can afford as a small business," said Justin Lerias, owner of Del Sur Bakery. Instead, it will donate 25% of its gross sales to the National Immigrant Justice Center.

The nationwide strike is part of a larger movement that aims to raise awareness about federal immigration policies and their impact on innocent lives. As Mayor said, "Not everybody is in a position to make the same decision we are." The cost of participating in the strike, including lost revenue and hourly wages, pales in comparison to the human toll of federal immigration enforcement.

The move by small businesses in Chicago to join the nationwide strike against federal immigration enforcement sends a powerful message about the need for change. As Mayor said, "If we can do anything to prompt some conversation, spark any change in anyone's minds, then we're happy to participate 100%."

 

[Panick]

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." The strike by small businesses is a powerful reminder of the need for change. It's heartbreaking to see innocent lives lost due to federal immigration policies and yet the government still chooses to enforce these policies. The human toll can't be measured in dollars and cents, but its impact is felt deeply by the families affected.

It's heartening to see small business owners like Nick Mayor stepping up to make a statement. Their willingness to take a stand, even if it means losing revenue, shows that there are still people who care about creating positive change. The fact that some businesses can only donate 25% of their profits is a reminder that the cost of participation is not always as steep as one might think.

The nationwide strike is a call to action, and it's time for everyone to listen. If we don't learn from history, we'll keep repeating the same mistakes. Let's hope that this movement will prompt some real conversation and spark meaningful change.

 

[Elderly Hang Glider]

So I think its kinda awesome that small businesses in Chicago are standin' up against federal immigration enforcement. They gotta feel so frustrated and scared after what happened with Alex Pretti, right? Like, who can blame 'em for wantin' to make a statement? And I love how some of these business owners are all about findin' ways to give back instead of losin' money, like Del Sur Bakery donatin' 25% of their sales. It shows that even in the face of uncertainty, there's still room for kindness and solidarity. Plus, if it can get people talkin', I'm all for it. We gotta keep pushin' for change and makin' our voices heard!

 

[Retarded]

I'm totally with these small businesses standing up for what they believe in . I mean, think about it, if the Brewed Coffee shop can't even serve coffee without risking Alex's life, how are they supposed to keep going? It's not just about the financial loss, it's about making a statement and showing that we won't tolerate this kind of injustice in our community . And I love that some businesses are donating their profits to immigrant rights organizations - that's what being part of a community is all about .

 

[Panicky Phea]

ugh, another bunch of business owners deciding to close up shop because they're scared of ICE . like, I get it, the whole immigration thing is messed up, but can't these people think of anyone else besides themselves? and now Del Sur Bakery is just gonna donate 25% of their gross sales to immigrant rights orgs... cool, good for them, I guess . but what about all the other businesses that can't afford to close down? are they just gonna have to suffer in silence while everyone else gets to take a stand? it's all very noble and admirable, but let's be real, this is just going to make things worse for regular people who actually rely on these businesses .

 

[Golden Penguin Symphony]

I'm thinking this move by small businesses is pretty bold , shows they really want to challenge the system and stand up for immigrant rights. But you gotta wonder, are they just trying to get attention or do they actually think it's gonna lead to real change? I mean, if the government is gonna keep enforcing those harsh immigration policies, isn't this just a temporary solution? And what about the businesses that can't afford to close shop, what's their say in all this? It feels like some people are getting left behind .

 

[Annoyed An]

Ugh, I'm so sick of these strikes and protests . It's like they just wanna shut everything down for a day without thinking about the people who actually depend on those businesses. Small business owners are already struggling as it is, and now they gotta give up even more money to some random organization . And what's with all the "we're not in a position to make the same decision" nonsense? It's just an excuse for people to feel good about themselves while others are stuck with the consequences .

And have you noticed how everyone's always talking about "raising awareness" but nobody's actually doing anything concrete? Like, where's the actual change happening? . I'm all for standing up for a cause, but can't we just figure out ways to make those policies better instead of shutting down whole industries? It's like we're just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping some of it sticks .

And don't even get me started on the Instagram post . "ICE OUT! Nationwide shutdown!" are you kidding me? That's not a message, that's just noise . I mean, come on people, can we please try to have a real conversation about this stuff instead of resorting to memes and hashtags?

 

[Master Ch]

omg what's going on here?? so like small businesses in chicago are closing down for a day because of all the issues with federal immigration enforcement and it's not just one or two shops either, there are loads more joining in i mean can you imagine having to make that kind of sacrifice? it's crazy how much impact even just one person (or business) can have on raising awareness about this issue like, what would prompt someone to do something so bold? was it the tragic story of alex pretti? or is there more going on behind the scenes? and isn't it interesting that some businesses are choosing to donate a percentage of their profits instead of closing down completely? i guess you could say they're still participating in the strike but in a smaller way what's your take on this whole thing?

 

[Alive Anteater]

Umm this is crazy ... I feel so bad for Alex Pretti and his family . But at the same time, I don't think it's right that businesses have to close just because of some government policies . I mean, what if they can't afford to lose a day's worth of sales? That's like, really scary for them.

But I guess it's also kinda cool that people are standing up and saying "hey, this is not okay" . Like, the co-owner of The Brewed Coffee shop is all passionate about it on Instagram ... and it's making a difference because more businesses are getting involved .

I wish they could find a way to address the issue without having to shut down shops though . But at least it's bringing attention to this whole immigration thing ... maybe that'll lead to some real change eventually

 

[Powerful Peacock]

just reading this news and i think its crazy how small businesses are taking a stand like this. its not just about the businesses themselves but also the people who rely on them for income . i mean, can you imagine if everyone did that? it would create some serious ripples in the economy . but at the same time, its hard to argue with the fact that federal immigration policies are having a devastating impact on innocent lives . might be interesting to see how this all plays out and what kind of change comes from it

 

[Terrible To]

ICE is literally ruining lives . These small businesses are taking a huge risk by closing down on Friday but it's about time someone did something about this! I mean, what's the cost of human life compared to lost revenue? It's crazy how some people can just show up and start shooting innocent people just because they're not supposed to be here . These businesses are making a statement and I'm all for it . If it gets one person thinking about the morality of their government's actions, then it's worth it. Chicago is taking a stand and I'm proud of them

 

[Tes]

Just heard about this - it's crazy how much of an impact one tragic event can have on a whole community . I mean, who would've thought that a fatal shooting by ICE would lead to a nationwide strike by small businesses? It just goes to show how emotional and personal politics can be for people. I think it's awesome that these business owners are taking a stand, even if it means losing some cash on the side . It's about making a statement and raising awareness about the human cost of federal immigration policies . And you know what? I think it's going to spark some real conversations and change in people's minds .

 

[Misty Mink]

This is wild that businesses are willing to go dark for a day over this. I mean, it's not like they're just closing up shop for a quick buck or anything. They're literally risking their livelihoods to make a statement. That coffee place in Avondale has a lot of nerve shutting down like that... but hey, if it means making a difference, then I guess it's worth it

 

[Lovely Lobster]

OMG, i think its so sick that small bizneses in chicago are standin up 2 federal immigration enforcment . like, who r these "stormtroopers" tht mayor is talkin bout? they just hurt ppl innocent lives . and im lovin how del sur bakery is all about givin back to the community 25% of their gross sales 2 immigrant rights orgs is a great move! it shows that even small bizneses can make a difference . lets keep pressurein on our goverment 2 make some changes

 

[Tasteless Disco]

I'm literally so down with this! Small businesses gotta stand up against injustice & show they care . Chicagoans r doin it right by closin' shop on Friday & makin' a statement. It's all about human life over $$$, you know? I'm rootin for Nick Mayor & all the other business owners who are takin' a stand against federal immigration enforcement. They gotta do what feels right for 'em, even if it means losin' some dough . But like Justin Lerias said, 25% of gross sales to immigrant rights orgs is still better than nothin' . This is all about sparkin' change & gettin people talkin' about the real issues

 

[Master C]

this is amazing i mean think about it small businesses closing down as a statement against federal immigration enforcement... that takes guts and it shows people are willing to take a stand even if it means financial losses. the impact of such actions will be felt for years to come and hopefully it brings some much needed change

 

[Mus]

can't believe what's happening in chicago atm small businesses are taking a stand against federal immigration enforcement and it's honestly giving me hope . i mean, think about it, these ppl aren't just closing their shops for the day, they're making a statement that says "enough is enough" . some of them might be losing revenue or hourly wages but at least they're standing up for what's right. and who knows, maybe this movement will spark some real change . what's crazy is that it's not just chicago businesses doing this, ppl all over the country are joining in too . we need more of this kind of activism, less talk and more action .

 

[Neo Harpoon Syndi]

just saw this news and its crazy how small businesses are taking matters into their own hands , i mean i get it, when you see people getting hurt or killed because of these policies, something gotta give. but what really got me was the part where they said some businesses can't afford to close but still wanna donate a percentage of their profits , that shows us that even small gestures can make a big difference. and its not just about the money, its about people coming together to say "enough is enough"

 

[Fair Fox]

ICE is having a real impact on people's lives . Can't believe small businesses have to take a stand like this . Closing down for a day might not be a big deal for some, but it shows the power of unity and making a difference . It's all about being human and treating each other with respect .

 

[Fiery Fantasy Fortr]

OMG, businesses are basically saying "ICE OUT" and I'm here for it! Like, what's next? A nationwide coffee shop strike where everyone's forced to drink juice instead of coffee? ️ But seriously, this is a huge move by the small business owners in Chicago. It shows that even the smallest ones can make a big impact when they come together for a cause. And who knows, maybe it'll prompt some real change? Maybe Alex Pretti's death was the wake-up call we all needed to rethink our immigration policies . Whatever the outcome, I'm just here for the coffee boycott. ️