Today we’d like to introduce you to Cenk Duman.
Cenk, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started upon graduating high school; I got into college and got a job at Starbucks at the same time. Pre-Pharmacy school was tough, and after a few years it made me realize one thing; I was really bad at school. And really good at coffee.
After a few more years of working in the service industry, I moved to the city from the suburbs and saw endless possibilities around me. It truly inspired me to own my own business, and I knew it would be a cafe. Oromo Cafe’s concept was born in Chicago; a city full of coffee shops, all of them too similar to one another. First thing I look at when I check out a restaurant for dinner is their craft cocktail list. Why haven’t I seen a coffee shop with a craft latte list? This inspired me to come up with something truly unique.
My obsession with superfoods and organic food was born about four years ago, so I incorporated them throughout the food and drink menu.
Culture Conscious Coffee, you ask? Well what’s the one thing all cultures around the world have in common? Coffee and tea. This lead to countless ideas which influenced us here as well.
Why “Oromo” Cafe? The Oromo people of Ethiopia were one of the first to ritualize coffee in their culture. The USA is the #1 consumer of coffee in the world, so the name is an homage to the beginning of the adoration of coffee.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, yes! It has been a smooth road. Although a few months after opening, we got attacked pretty hard online via 1-star Facebook and Yelp reviews by people who were upset about the name I chose for the cafe. Before all this erupted, I was sure to invite lots of Oromo people and they were nothing but thrilled to see their name on a big sign in a neighborhood like Lincoln Square.
There’s a pretty big Oromo community here in Chicago, many of which live not that far from here in Uptown. We get visitors occasionally who love to take photos outside in front of our logo as well. I do my part to give back; my main roast is an Ethiopian Oromia roast, where the beans are sourced from the Oromia region in Ethiopia. The profits benefit small farmers and cherry pickers in the region, unlike many other business in Ethiopia that exploit the rich and plentiful resources that the Oromia region has to offer.
Aside from all of that, running this place has come pretty naturally for me. I adore my customers, I truly enjoy being able to have a platform like this where I have the opportunity to interact with so many people every single day. Having the chance to put a smile on peoples’ faces every day is the best job I could ask for,
Oromo Cafe – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Oromo Cafe is a specialty coffee shop. What really sets us apart is our selection of house-made nut milks which serve as amazing dairy alternatives for coffee and tea drinks. House-made organic pistachio, pecan, almond, and toasted hazelnut milk. How does that sound for a latte?
I’m most proud of the fact that we’re able to impress so many people with our menu, interior design (which is modern, earthy, and chill vibey), and give everyone an experience they can’t wait to have again. We are truly unique, and I am confident in our individuality in a city full of countless coffee shops.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as when you have worked hard, put in sweat and tears, and have accomplished something that gives your life purpose.
This is my first business. Will it be my last? Most definitely not. Although I see great success in Oromo Cafe, I primarily see it as a learning experience and a stepping stone for my future endeavors. Success is knowledge. Comparing what I know now, to what I knew 2 years ago when I took the very first steps of building this place into what it is today truly sheds light on how much I have learned to this day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4703 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625 - Website: www.oromocafechicago.com
- Phone: 2247301427
- Email: oromocafechicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: @oromocafe
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/oromocafechicago
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oromo-cafe-chicago
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