Urban Juncture (Seed)

Traction: Urban Juncture engaged 1000 people per week in events and activities during the 2015 summer season. They have successfully renovated building spaces, acquired nearby properties, and won awards for their restaurant offerings. The company has created community initiatives that bring neighbors and guests together to celebrate Bronzeville.
Organizations Involved: Metropolitan Planning Council
Founders: Bernard Loyd
Company Description: Urban Juncture is focused on rebuilding a historic Chicago neighborhood into a Black food & culture hot spot. They have raised $9 million to bring delicious Black cuisine from across the globe to 51st Street and the CTA Green Line station, the heart of Bronzeville. The company purchased and renovated 16,000 sq. ft of building space and acquired two other nearby properties. Their first restaurant, The Bronzeville Jerk Shack, won 'Best Jerk Chicken in Chicago' from RedEye. Urban Juncture has also created award-winning community garden and bicycling initiatives that bring neighbors and guests together to celebrate Bronzeville. They engage 1000 people per week in events and activities during the summer season.
Market: Minority Founder
Location: Chicago, IL, US
Coinvestors: 147 investors