Nikki Bravo, Tracy Powell | Momentum Coffee
Nikki Bravo and Tracy Powell opened the first Momentum Coffee in the South Loop in May 2020, the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. While that may have been a difficult time for a small business to get started, Bravo and Powell showed true Chicago spirit by not only surviving, but by expanding. Momentum now has five locations, including in Millennium Park.
In growing Momentum, Bravo and Powell have brought their locally roasted coffee, tea, pastries and sandwiches to traditionally under-resourced neighborhoods like Englewood and North Lawndale. Their intention is to make a positive impact and become economic drivers in those communities by providing great products and excellent service in a comfortable environment. The South Loop and Englewood shops also function as co-working spaces that members can use on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The next phase of Momentum Coffee's growth will come from building upon its breakfast catering services.
The owners, who are married and have a daughter they call the "Mini-Manager," credit their success to the support from the partnerships they've made with those who share their community-minded values. These range from the team members to regular customers and the groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters that use their shops for events.