Axum Cafe receives Chicago business license at 5842 N Broadway
Built World Chicago, IL localEthiopian coffee cafe from Solomon Birhanu licensed for the former Mango Pickle storefront
Overview
Chicago issued a retail food establishment license to Axum Cafe at 5842 N Broadway on October 22. The license covers on-site dining, coffee and drink service, and retail sales that include clothing, jewelry and books.
Axum Cafe is planned as an Ethiopian coffee shop from Solomon Birhanu, next door to the long-running Axum Ethiopian Restaurant. Birhanu told What Now Chicago in February 2026 that he had no opening date and was working with an interior designer on the space, which Mango Pickle had occupied for nine years. A city health inspection on October 9 passed with conditions and noted four violations, including no employee health policy on site.
Why it matters
The license allows a new cafe to serve coffee and food in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.
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Key Indicators
Voices
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People Involved
Organizations Involved
Ethiopian coffee cafe planned for 5842 N Broadway in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.
Long-running Ethiopian restaurant at 5844 N Broadway, next door to Axum Cafe.
Timeline
February 2026 October 2026
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Business license issued
Latest LicensingChicago issued a retail food establishment license to Axum Cafe at 5842 N Broadway.
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License inspection passed with conditions
InspectionChicago inspectors passed the Axum Cafe license application with conditions.
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Ethiopian coffee cafe concept reported for the storefront
BusinessWhat Now Chicago reported that Solomon Birhanu planned an Ethiopian coffee cafe at 5842 N Broadway, next door to Axum Ethiopian Restaurant, in the space Mango Pickle had occupied for nine years. He said he had no exact opening date.
Scenarios
Axum Cafe opens for business at 5842 N Broadway
Discussed by: Neighborhood media and local business observers
The cafe begins serving customers at its North Broadway location. The license covers dining, coffee, and retail sales, suggesting a cafe with food service and merchandise. The cafe shares the Axum name with the Ethiopian restaurant next door at 5844 N Broadway.
Axum Cafe opens but faces compliance follow-up
Discussed by: Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
The cafe opens but must address conditions from the October 9 inspection. A follow-up inspection or compliance action is recorded for the business.
Axum Cafe license lapses without opening
Discussed by: Local business observers
The license is issued but the cafe never begins operating. The license may lapse or be revoked without the business opening its doors.