By: Ashmar Mandou

Nestled in the heart of the Berwyn community, beloved local gem The Local Flour Stand Café is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a place where Latina-owner Raquel Villalobos promotes safety and inclusion while also serving up an array of mouthwatering treats from homemade cinnamon rolls to artisanal lattes. “With everything going on lately it is important that I give back to a community that has given me so much throughout the years. Without them, I would not be here,” said Villalobos.

Villalobos first developed her entrepreneurial skill from her parents who previously owned Perception Lounge, where The Local Flour Stand Café is currently located, by holding multiple jobs within the lounge. “I did everything from coat check, to being a greeter, to learning how to run a business. Everything I learned about business I learned from my parents, and their work ethic,” said Villalobos. “They taught me so much and were the ones who pushed me to open my own coffee shop.” From a very young age, Villalobos always had a passion for nurturing her loved ones through food. “Whenever my friends came over, I would always make them lunch, I would make them desserts, during Thanksgiving and Easter I would always make cupcakes, cakes, or pies. Food is my love language and I guess, in a way, I always saw myself as a caretaker.”

After three years working in the music merchandise industry during the Covid pandemic, Villalobos found herself back in the kitchen cooking up delectable treats. “Whenever I was stressed I found myself going back to the kitchen. I realized working in the music merchandise industry wasn’t for me and I needed a space to create. So, in 2023 I quit my job, spent three months planning and strategizing, with the support of my parents I opened up The Local Flour Stand Café,” said Villalobos. “It’s been a lot of fun, I learned a lot about myself, and I learned about the joy in baking and cooking, meeting people and making a community out of it.” Three years into The Local Flour Stand Café and Villalobos is looking forward to hosting a few Hispanic Heritage Month events and highlighting the work of local artists adorned on her walls. “I want people to know this a community-oriented space where you can relax and feel safe while enjoying a good cup of coffee.”

The Local Flour Stand Café is located at 6814 Windsor Ave, Berwyn, IL. If you would like to learn more about the café, visit facebook.com/thelocalflourstand/ or on Instagram, @thelocalflourstand