Enrique Rivera lived in Pilsen long before Time Out magazine named 18th Street one of the “Coolest Streets in the World” earlier this year. He was there decades before the upscale restaurants and walking tours around the neighborhood and before the luxury houses and condominiums brought thousands of new faces to the area, displacing many of its working-class immigrant population. Last month Rivera and a group of friends-turned-business partners celebrated the grand opening of Monochrome Brewing. The new brewery, at 2101 S. Carpenter St., breathes fresh life into the space once occupied by Lo Rez Brewery & Taproom, which shuttered its doors last year after seven years of operation. Drawing inspiration from Pilsen’s vibrant community and rich culture, Monochrome Brewing reflects the evolving landscape of Pilsen, where Latino-owned and -inspired businesses are reclaiming previously “trendy” spaces in the face of ongoing gentrification. The emerging trend is more than just a business endeavor: It’s a concerted effort by community stakeholders to preserve the neighborhood’s cultural identity while encouraging community members to reinvest in their own backyard. Tap on our bio link to read more. —— Photo 1: Guests, many of whom are members of the Venados Running Club, listen to Enrique Rivera, one of the co-owners of Monochrome Brewing, speak during the soft opening of the brewery on May 1, 2024. Photo 2: Enrique Rivera looks out over the patio at guests who came to the soft opening of the brewery. Photo 3: Fermenters in the brewing room at Monochrome Brewing. ? Laura Rodríguez Presa and Ahmed Ali Akbar / Chicago Tribune ? Vincent Alban / Chicago Tribune

Enrique Rivera lived in Pilsen long before Time Out magazine named 18th Street one of the “Coolest Streets in the World” earlier this year. He was there decades before the upscale restaurants and walking tours around the neighborhood and before the luxury houses and condominiums brought thousands of new faces to the area, displacing many of its working-class immigrant population.

Last month Rivera and a group of friends-turned-business partners celebrated the grand opening of Monochrome Brewing. The new brewery, at 2101 S. Carpenter St., breathes fresh life into the space once occupied by Lo Rez Brewery & Taproom, which shuttered its doors last year after seven years of operation.

Drawing inspiration from Pilsen’s vibrant community and rich culture, Monochrome Brewing reflects the evolving landscape of Pilsen, where Latino-owned and -inspired businesses are reclaiming previously “trendy” spaces in the face of ongoing gentrification. The emerging trend is more than just a business endeavor: It’s a concerted effort by community stakeholders to preserve the neighborhood’s cultural identity while encouraging community members to reinvest in their own backyard.

Tap on our bio link to read more.

——

Photo 1: Guests, many of whom are members of the Venados Running Club, listen to Enrique Rivera, one of the co-owners of Monochrome Brewing, speak during the soft opening of the brewery on May 1, 2024.

Photo 2: Enrique Rivera looks out over the patio at guests who came to the soft opening of the brewery.

Photo 3: Fermenters in the brewing room at Monochrome Brewing.

? Laura Rodríguez Presa and Ahmed Ali Akbar / Chicago Tribune
? Vincent Alban / Chicago Tribune