Kisbi Coffee Brings Premium Brews to Jefferson Park Transit Center

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Jefferson Park · November 5, 2025

Jefferson Park commuters and residents have a new specialty coffee destination to enjoy with Kisbi Coffee now serving premium beans from Costa Rica, Kenya, Ethiopia and more at the neighborhood's busy transit hub. The coffee shop also offers homemade empanadas, breakfast sandwiches, and other fresh bites to brighten morning routines.

Located inside the Jefferson Park Blue Line CTA and Metra station (before the paid turnstiles), Kisbi Coffee provides a convenient stop for both commuters and locals. The shop is owned by Bernie Ijimakin, a Northwest Side resident who pursued the space for over two years before securing a five-year lease with the CTA. "My coffee is my thing. We are going to offer quality coffees, and I think that will make a difference," Ijimakin has said, explaining that the name "Kisbi" represents the initials of several family members. The café operates daily with early morning hours to accommodate commuters passing through one of Chicago's busiest transit centers outside of downtown.

The transit center space had previously housed various sandwich and bagel shops that didn't last long, with the pandemic's drop in ridership believed to have contributed to the closure of the last establishment. Industry experts have noted that success in this location depends on selling coffee and quick-service items efficiently to commuters who don't want to miss their trains. Residents are encouraged to stop by to sample the specialty coffees and support this new local business that adds vibrancy to Jefferson Park's transportation hub.

Sources:
1. https://www.jeffersonparkchamber.com/
2. https://nadignewspapers.com/kisbi-coffee-currently-at-navy-pier-opening-soon-at-jefferson-park-cta-center/