Chicago's First Greek Froyo Shop Just Opened in Pilsen — and Neighbors Are Already Lining Up
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Pilsen ·
Pilsen has a sweet new neighbor worth getting excited about. Mikono, Chicago's first-ever Greek frozen yogurt shop, officially opened its doors in the neighborhood this month — and the response from locals has been nothing short of electric. On its very first day of business, a line of eager customers wrapped around the building, with the shop's very first guest arriving a full hour before opening.
Behind the magic are best friends and co-owners Nathalie Del Valle and Maya Matta, both 23 years old and daughters of immigrants, who dreamed up the concept in January and turned it into reality with remarkable speed. The two met during a tech internship at Google's Chicago headquarters in 2024, bonded over shared backgrounds and ambitions, and decided to build something of their own. After months of selling froyo out of their apartment and hosting sold-out pop-ups across the city, they've landed a brick-and-mortar residency inside Latina Sweat Project, a yoga and dance studio at 949 W. 16th St. They even made a nearly
Mikono is the kind of homegrown, neighbor-built small business that makes Pilsen's food scene endlessly exciting. Stop by 949 W. 16th St. to grab a cup, cheer on two young entrepreneurs making their dream happen, and taste what all the buzz is about — you won't regret it.
Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/food-drink/2026/07/13/mikono-chicago-froyo-frozen-yogurt-pilsen-nathalie-del-valle-maya-matta