In the heart of Bronzeville, one Black woman entrepreneur is proving that hospitality can be activism.
Owner Kelli Dace, a proud South Side native and graduate of the University of Illinois, opened Kelli’s Chicago in Winter 2024 with a vision bigger than brunch and cocktails. In just over a year, her café and social lounge has evolved into a true community hub — a place where residents gather to connect, organize, celebrate, and circulate dollars intentionally.
And this February, she made it clear: this isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an economic engine.
THE BLACK LIST: POURING INTO BLACK-OWNED BRANDS
Throughout Black History Month, Kelli launched “The Black List” — a curated initiative highlighting Black-owned spirits behind the bar.
- 10% off all Black-owned spirits all month
- $10 Black List Happy Hour cocktails
- A February 28 finale featuring 25% off all Black-owned spirits
- An open invitation for customers to recommend Black-owned brands she should carry
What it included:
This wasn’t just a promotion. It was intentional economic circulation.
By spotlighting brands like Epochal Cognac — a Black-owned, woman-owned brand — and other Black-owned labels, Kelli used her purchasing power and her platform to introduce customers to spirits they may have never tried before. And she did it in a way that made celebration feel accessible.
In a time when many businesses use February for performative messaging, Kelli turned it into measurable action.
“This isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an economic engine.”
ENDING BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A BANG
The February 28 celebration isn’t just another themed night. It’s a statement.
For one night, every Black-owned spirit behind the bar will be 25% off — a final push to support, taste, and invest before the calendar flips. And because customers were invited to recommend brands throughout the month, the finale will reflect the community’s voice, not just the menu.
That’s ownership. That’s inclusion. That’s community-driven business.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES
And just because February ends doesn’t mean the movement does.
Kelli is rolling directly into Women’s History Month by spotlighting woman-owned brands — starting with Epochal Cognac, which is Black-owned as well.
By leading with Epochal, she’s doubling down on representation: Black ownership and female ownership in industries that have historically excluded both.
It’s a seamless continuation of her mission — celebrate culture, support ownership, and keep dollars circulating where they matter.
MORE THAN A RESTAURANT
Since opening in 2024, Kelli’s Chicago has served the community beyond food and drink — hosting:
- Clothing drives
- Food drives
- Youth-centered initiatives
- Community meetups and organizing sessions
The space has become a gathering point for Bronzeville — a safe, stylish, and intentional environment where community and commerce coexist.
For Kelli, success isn’t just measured in sales. It’s measured in who she’s able to put on.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Bronzeville has always been a pillar of Black excellence in Chicago. And businesses like Kelli’s Chicago continue that legacy — not just by occupying space, but by activating it.
As Black History Month closes and Women’s History Month begins, Kelli Dace is reminding the city of one thing:
Celebration is good.
Ownership is better.
Circulation is power.
And at Kelli’s Chicago, the bar isn’t just serving drinks — it’s serving purpose.
WTW TIP: If you pull up for the February 28 finale, ask your server about the Black-owned spirit recommendations being added — and keep that same energy into Women’s History Month with Epochal Cognac.
