A restaurant owner on the city's Northwest Side says he was met with racial slurs when he went to open on Sunday morning.
Mi Gente Café on Harlem and Farragut just opened its doors to the public a month ago.
The offensive messages were written on the restaurant's front windows and included anti-Mexican slurs.
Owner David Torres says it's been particularly difficult for his staff, but the community showed up in big numbers on Sunday to support the restaurant.
"A little disheartening, I'll be honest ... we've had a nice welcome from the community, so to see something like this, especially in 2026, was not what we expected," he said.
Ald. Anthony Napolitano's office said in a statement:
"We are aware of the incident that took place over the weekend. Alderman Napolitano strongly condemns this type of discriminatory vandalism. Acts of hate targeting members of our community or local businesses have no place in the 41st Ward. The Alderman welcomes all new businesses to the ward and wants every business owner to feel welcomed and embraced as part of our Northwest Side community. Alderman Napolitano has spoken directly to David, the owner of Mi Gente Café to express his support. Following that conversation, the owner stopped by our office and I spoke to him as well and shared my support.Our office has also been in contact with the 16th District Police Department, which is actively investigating. We hope those responsible are identified and held accountable."
Torres says the Chicago police have been notified and hopes those responsible are caught.
